§ Rev. William McCreaasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many hospitals have been closed in Northern Ireland since 1979 and what are their names; and what hospitals are planned for closure or change of use in the next five years.
§ Mr. Chris Patten[pursuant to his reply, 23 January 1984]: Five hospitals—Malone place, Newry general, Mary Rankin, Ratheane and Hopefield — have closed since 1979. Bannvale house, a small psychiatric hospital in Gilford, Co. Down, is planned for closure in 1986. Each health and social services board has also been asked to consider the rationalisation of hospital services in its area with a view to securing improvements in patient care through more effective use of existing resources. This will almost certainly result in the closure or change of use of some outdated and obsolete facilities which cannot be identified until boards have completed their current reviews.