HC Deb 02 December 1981 vol 14 c156W
Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has taken a decision to rehouse St. Peter's hospital and St. John's hospital, in view of the recommendations of the London advisory group's report on management arrangements for postgraduate hospitals.

Dr. Vaughan

In his statement on 15 July 1981—[Vol. 8, c.398–401]—my right hon. Friend said that it was now possible to consider the general teaching hospitals with which the St. Peter's and St. John's hospitals could be associated. Planning is proceeding on the basis that St. Peter's will be re-located in Moorfields hospital, High Holborn and that St. John's will be relocated in St. Thomas' hospital. Following consultation with interested bodies, from 1 April 1982, the St. Peter's hospital will be managed by the Bloomsbury health authority and St. John's hospital will be managed by the West Lambeth health authority. Again, following consultation, the Royal national orthopaedic hospital and the Royal national throat, nose and ear hospitals will be managed by the Bloomsbury health authority from 1 April 1982.

Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has had any consultations with London university concerning the future of the postgraduate institutes to be incorporated into general medical schools; and when he envisages that any changes will take place.

Dr. Vaughan

The Department maintains regular contact with London university because of the necessarily close relationship between facilities for medical education and the provision of NHS hospital services. The London advisory group, which reported on the future management arrangements for the postgraduate hospitals, included university representation. However, decisions on the organisation of the university's institutes and medical schools are primarily for the university itself, and it would not be appropriate for me to speculate on the timing of such changes as may be agreed.