§ Mr. Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his officials have had any recent discussions with the officials of the Yorkshire regional health authority or the officials of the Wakefield area health authority about the future of Snapethorpe hospital, Wakefield, and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeOfficials have held discussions with Yorkshire regional health authority officials both at my request and also as part of the normal process of assessing the regional strategic plan which was recently submitted.
A possible use that has been suggested locally for Snapethorpe hospital is as a geriatric hospital, and it is in this context that officials have had discussions. I understand that the two health authorities are presently carrying out a full appraisal of the available options for the developments of geriatric services. The results of this exercise are expected later in the year. The health authority will then be better able to make proposals as to the future of Snapethorpe hospital.