§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the visit of the Minister for Health to The Grove, Barton-on-Sea
§ Dr. VaughanI have carefully considered the case put forward by the Hampshire area health authority (teaching), endorsed by Wessex regional health authority, for closing The Grove, Barton-on-Sea, and the strong representations made to me by my hon. Friend and others that it should stay open. I have visited the hospital and could not fail to be impressed by the strength of local feeling in favour of it and the dedication of the staff.
At present The Grove is not being used to its full capacity. I have decided, in view of the local community's strong support for this hospital, that The Grove should be given a further opportunity to develop. It is, therefore, my intention that it should remain open. But its continued use will depend on the local community, staff, general practitioners and others concerned, working together with local management to find ways of making better use of the facilities that are available there. Full use must be found for the buildings adjoining the main hospital which are, at present, empty. I hope that practical ways can be found of developing the hospital further.
I will, in due course, ask the new district health authority, once established, to review the position.