Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what provision he is making to ensure that there is an adequate number of intensive care units for new-born babies in the North-West area.
§ Mr. MoyleSt. Mary's hospital for women and children, Manchester has an intensive care unit for newborn babies which serves the whole of the North-Western health region.
This is in line with guidance issued by the Department recommending a two-tier system of provision (i) special care units associated with maternity and children's departments at district general hospitals, and (ii) combined special care and intensive care units associated with certain maternity and children's departments of general hospitals with substantial resources in staff and equipment. It is expected that there will be only one or two per region of the latter type.
Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many births have taken place in hospitals in the Rochdale area health authority in the 904W past five years; how many babies and mothers have died in childbirth in these hospitals; and what are the comparable figures for the United Kingdom as a whole.
§ Mr. MoyleThe information will take some time to collect; I shall send it to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.