HC Deb 05 December 1979 vol 975 cc257-8W
Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the hospitals in the Wandsworth, Merton and Sutton area health authority which will be closed by December 1983; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Vaughan

Any proposals for permanent closure would be subject to the formal consultation procedure. At this stage I cannot forecast what proposals the Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth area health authority (teaching) may wish to put forward nor can I prejudge the outcome of such consultation.

Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the present hospital services that exist in the Wandsworth, Merton and Sutton area health authority; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Vaughan

The Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth area health authority (teaching) needs to rectify the historic imbalance between acute and other services whilst commissioning the new St. George's hospital in Tooting. The authority must also bring expenditure into line with the resources appropriate to a declining population. Accordingly, some changes in hospital services in this area are unavoidable.