HC Deb 26 October 1976 vol 918 cc122-3W
53. Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy towards the retention of separate hospitals for children.

Mr. Ennals

It is the Department's policy that children should be cared for in children's departments in district general hospitals. This enables a consultant paediatrician to be concerned with the welfare of the children and allows the children to be nursed by those trained and experienced in the care of sick children. It also provides access to the specialised diagnostic facilities of district general hospitals. Facilities in certain specialised fields of care for children need to be provided at regional or sub-regional centres.