§ 26. Mr. Hicksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy towards the provision of short-stay maternity units; and what guidance has been given to area health authorities in this matter.
§ Mr. MoyleA policy of establishing separate short-stay units has never been proposed, and no guidance on such units has, therefore, been issued. A proportion of patients in most maternity units are regarded as suitable for early transfer home after delivery, and health authorities were reminded in "The Way Forward" of the importance of the provision of continuing domiciliary care for such patients.