HC Deb 05 December 1984 vol 69 cc213-4W
Mr. Willie W. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many hospital beds have been permanently closed in each health board area between the end of 1979 and the present date; and what further closures are contemplated in the current financial year.

Mr. John MacKay

I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 24 October to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) at column626–28. In 1984 to date the following closures have taken place:

Number of beds
Argyll and Clyde Health Board 32
Ayrshire and Arran Health Board 26
Grampian Health Board 26
Shetland Health Board 19

Note: Numbers refer to the approved bed complement at the time of closure: Details provided relate only to complete hospitals taken out of use; information on partial closures or changes of use is not held centrally. Most of the beds closed have been replaced in alternative facilities.

Further hospital closures have been approved by the Secretary of State, but it is not possible to say whether they will take effect during the current financial year.