§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, following the loss of 4,000 acute beds in London hospitals, he intends to make improvements to the family doctor and other primary services in London as a result; whether any additional finance will be provided; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThe London Advisory Group recommended that a large proportion of the resources saved by the adoption of a policy of reducing acute beds in London should be used to support the other health services in London—including services in the community. I fully support this strategy and I shall look to the health authorities to make plans urgently to implement it. I expect to get a further report, from a group under the chairmanship of Professor Donald Acheson, in the next few months on recommendations for the family doctor and other primary health care services in London.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services which hospitals will lose their acute beds and change to other services as a result of the reduction of 4,000 acute medical and surgical beds in London; which will close; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanI refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Kensington (Sir B. Rhys Williams) on 11 February.—[Vol. 998, c.367.68.] The Thames regional health authorities will develop plans for implementing the London Advisory Group's proposals, taking account of local requirements and following the normal consultation procedures. At this stage, I cannot prejudge the outcome for individual hospitals.