§ Sir Brandon Rhys Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice he has received from the London Advisory Group on acute services in London; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanA report by the London Advisory Group on acute hospital services has been published today. Copies are available in the Vote Office.
The report recommends that there should be a better balance in the health service in London. Because if the changes in the level of population, fewer acute hospital beds are now required. Services for other groups—the mentally ill and handicapped and the elderly—and in the community need to be increased. The group estimates that London will need 15 per cent. fewer acute beds by the end of the decade, partly because of a reduction in the population and partly because modern treatment means a shorter stay in hospital for many illnesses.
The report argues that, in inner London, acute inpatient services should be concentrated on the major 366W hospitals, including our famous teaching hospitals, in which there has been considerable investment in recent years. Inevitably this will mean changes in the use of many of the smaller hospitals: some will remain as specialist hospitals; some will take on a new role, caring for the elderly or providing other services for their communities; and some will no longer be needed.
My right hon. Friend and I are grateful to the group for its careful and thorough report. In general, we endorse the proposals and will look to the four Thames regional health authorities to implement them. In developing their plans, the authorities will need to consider local requirements and to consult in the normal way. My right hon. Friend and I will, however, be strongly influenced by the advisory group's proposals in considering any individual issues on which we will have to make decisions.