§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will instruct health authorities to reverse the policy of the previous Administration to close small community hospitals.
§ Dr. VaughanI firmly believe that there is an important role for small community hospitals in the NHS. That does not mean that it is right or possible to preserve all small hospitals or to retain their functions unchanged. Health authorities must use their resources in the best interests of patients, and each case must be looked at in its own particular circumstances, and with flexibility to deal with differing local circumstances including the opening of new facilities.