§ Mr. David Huntasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has now reached a decision on the future of Caldy Manor heart hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleI have carefully considered the arguments put forward on this proposal and, as the hon. Member knows, I visited Caldy Manor hospital and the alternative accommodation proposed at Cleaver hospital, on 11th May. In the light of all the evidence, I have decided to approve the recommendation by the Wirral area health authority and the Mersey regional health authority that Caldy Manor hospital should close.
In reaching this decision, I have taken into account the specific assurance by the regional health authority that the closure of Caldy Manor will not reduce the capacity of the region's cardiac services. I have taken account also of improvements proposed by the area health
NUMBERS OF FAMILIES AND OF CHILDREN IN SUCH FAMILIES WITH INCOMES OF VARIOUS LEVELS—DECEMBER 1976 Great Britain (Thousands Level of family income Number of families with children Number of children Number of families with head in full-time work or self-employed Number of children in these families (a) Below supplementary benefit level 230 500 170 400 (b) Normally receiving supplementary benefit 460 960 — — (c) Above, but less than 20 per cent, above supplementary benefit level 410 1,000 340 840 (d) At least 20 per cent, above, but less than 40 per cent, above supplementary benefit level 620 1,450 570 1,340 NOTES:
1. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10,000.
2. The estimates are based on DHSS analysis of incomes and other information recorded by respondents to the Family Expenditure Survey for 1976. The estimates are subject to sampling
262Wauthority to the alternative accommodation at Cleaver, and the regional health authority's assessment—in the light of medical and nursing advice—that this accommodation would be satisfactory. My approval is subject to the condition that the community health councils, and the medical and other staff concerned, should be consulted about the detailed arrangements to be made.
While I am conscious of the disappointment that this decision will cause, I do not feel that the arguments advanced for the hospital's retention are sufficient to justify setting aside the conclusion reached by the health authorities about how their resources can best be used. I am writing more fully to the hon. Member and to those other hon. Members, and my hon. and right hon. Friends, who have written to me on this subject.