§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, whether he has been consulted about the proposal to relocate geriatric patients from St. Nicholas hospital, Plumstead in the psychiatric unit at Greenwich District Hospital; and if he is satisfied that this is in the best interests of the patients and their families.
§ Mr. WhitneyMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services has approved the proposal by Greenwich health authority to close St. Nicholas hospital. No decision has yet been made regarding alternative accommodation for the geriatric patients affected. The health authority will consider a number of options at its meeting today. Whichever option is agreed, I would expect the health authority to ensure that patients currently in St. Nicholas continue to receive the best possible standard of care.