§ 56. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many small hospitals have had a change of use and designation to community care centres; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThere is no record in the Department of any hospital being redesignated as a community care centre on a permanent change of use. In a few cases of permanent closure of hospitals, the buildings have been transferred to the local authority for whatever use it thinks is needed. The hon. Member may have in mind the Lambeth, community care centre which is to be set up by the Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham area health authority (teaching), using inner city partnership funds. This is a new building on the site of a hospital which has been closed and demolished. Patients will be under the care of general practitioners supported by their primary care teams and integrated with social services and appropriate voluntary organisations.