§ 32. Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement on the policy of his Department on the maintenance of maternity units in small local hospitals in rural areas; and what evidence is available to him of the wishes of mothers-to-be for the retention of these facilities.
§ Mr. John PattenOur general view is that women should be encouraged to have their babies in a hospital offering the range of obstetric, paediatric and supporting services that is necessary to cope with any emergency. Some small consultant and GP maternity units, which do not have all such facilities, may be required in certain rural areas on geographical or social grounds. Responsibility for determining the pattern of maternity services best suited to local needs and circumstances must rest with the district health authority concerned. We would expect the wishes of mothers-to-be to be represerted to those authorities by community health councils, the views of which are always carefully considered by my right hon. Friend if he is asked to make any final decision about the closure or change of use of a hospital, including small local hospitals.