§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state the progress in the improvement and extension of hospital facilities in the borough of Walsall.
§ Dr. VaughanThe West Midlands regional health authority was given approval in December 1980 to proceed with further planning on phases IV and IVb of the Walsall district general hospital. I understand that the RHA expects a start on the Manor hospital site to take place during the summer of 1983. Other plans to develop hospital services include major extensions to the out-patient department at the Manor hospital and an upgrading programme at St. Margaret's hospital which includes four new mental health units currently under construction. The RHA's operational capital programme 1981–82 to 1984–85 also envisages the construction of a community hospital at Aldridge and the redevelopment of Goscote hospital for long-stay patients.