HC Deb 07 December 1983 vol 50 cc194-5W
Mr. Sedgemore

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make available sufficient funds to the special health authority for the hospital for sick children to prevent the proposed closure on 1 January 1984 of 24 beds and cots in Goldsmith ward of the Queen Elizabeth hospital for children in Hackney road; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I understand that the board of governors of the hospitals for sick children does not now propose to close Goldsmith ward and hopes to be able to reopen in January 1984 the 20 beds in Connaught ward which are currently closed.

Mr. Sedgemore

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make available sufficient funds to the special health authority for the hospital for sick children to employ sufficient nursing staff to enable the seven cots in the intensive care unit at Queen Elizabeth hospital for children which have been closed down to reopen.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

It is for the board of governors of the hospitals for sick children to determine its priorities within the resources made available to it. I understand that at the start of financial year 1983–84, the board decided that clinical activity at its hospitals would remain at the same level as during 1982–83. The Board appears to be making progress in improving its financial position. I do not believe that the day-to-day management of its hospitals would necessarily be improved by detailed supervision by Ministers and the central Government.

Mr. Sedgemore

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why no place is reserved on the special health authority for the hospital for sick children for one or more representatives of the Queen Elizabeth hospital for children in Hackney road.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The constitution of the special health authorities for the London postgraduate teaching hospitals does not provide for specific representation of individual hospitals, but some members of the board of governors of the hospitals for sick children do have links with Hackney and Queen Elizabeth hospital.