§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the completion of the Mold and Buckley community hospital; what the current stage of construction is; what is the latest estimate of the cost of the building, the number of professional and ancillary staff likely to be employed in the new hospital and the number of beds proposed as compared with the existing number; what role local practitioners will play in the new hospital; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe hospital is still in the planning stage. A date for the start of construction has not yet been settled. The latest estimate of cost is £1.5 million. It is expected that 47 professional staff and 21 ancillary staff—whole-time equivalents—will be employed. The number of beds proposed is 40 compared with the present 19. Local practitioners will have responsibility for all beds, the day hospital and the minor casualty unit.