§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what date he published the Health Service notice concerning his proposals for introducing payment for certain types of hospital treatment; if those notices were sent direct to community health councils; and if he will extend the time limit for comments from 15 May.
§ Dr. VaughanHN(81)13 on NHS treatment of overseas visitors was sent out to health authorities and other interested bodies, including community health councils, on 10 April. If we are to lay the regulations before the House in June we shall be unable to take account of comments much beyond the middle of this month.
256WOxford regional health authority has plans for the phased closure of the Canadian Red Cross memorial hospital, Taplow. The lease is due to expire and the authority is anxious to rationalise acute services in East Berkshire health district on a site which is more accessible to the population. The hospital includes rheumatology beds, both adult and children, but alternative beds will be provided at Wrexham Park hospital. The timing of this transfer of services is still under consideration.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the number of vacancies and nature of the vacancies in. rheumatology departments in England and Wales; what steps are being taken to fill these vacancies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThe only information on staffing on rheumatoloy departments which is centrally collectd is in respect of consultant and senior registrar posts in rheumatology and rehabilitation and is on a regional basis. The latest figures, as at 30 September 1980, are set out in the following table and include separately figures for staff in post.