HC Deb 11 June 1979 vol 968 cc94-5W
Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is willing to take in support of the Dudley area health authority and the Dudley community health council in their efforts to improve the ophthalmology service in the area.

Dr. Vaughan

This issue is currently being considered by the West Midlands regional health authority and the area health authority who are responsible for the provision of health services in the area. It would not, therefore, be appropriate for me to intervene. An ophthalmology unit with 38 in-patient beds and out-patient facilities is included in the major district general hospital scheme currently under construction at Russells Hall, Dudley with an anticipated completion date in mid-1982.