§ 20. Miss Boothroydasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the rate of progress in finalising construction on the new Hallam Hospital at West Bromwich; when he expects the work to be finished and the hospital fully operational; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleMy hon. Friend will be aware that I recently visited the site of the new Hallam Hospital. I share the concern of the community over the delay and I am not satisfied with the rate of progress on the construction. The contractor has promised to complete the building by June this year, but commissioning of the building for occupation and use, as with any complex hospital unit, will take several months. Subject to staff recruitment, the hospital should be fully operational early next year.