§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many jobs the Wolverhampton health authority has been told to cut; what is the new staff target; and what effect these staff reductions will have on the projected opening date of a new geriatric ward at New Cross hospital;
(2) what proposals he has to accommodate the growing number of elderly patients needing care in Wolverhampton.
§ Mr. John PattenResponsibility for staffing levels and services for the elderly in Wolverhampton rests with the health authorities concerned. The hon. Member may wish to contact the West Midlands regional health authority about this matter.