§ Mr. Irvingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evaluation studies have been carried out of the effects of hospital rundown and build-up of alternative services on patients and staff.
§ Mrs. CurrieI refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by my predecessor on 9 July at column168. More recently, we know of Mersey regional health authority's desire to study the rundown process at Rainhill hospital, and have seen a proposal to study the rundown and closure of Saxondale hospital in Nottingham. A study is already under way of the effects of transfers of patients made in connection with the closure of Banstead hospital. We understand that Birmingham city council will be launching a major research project in January 1987 to consider the movement of mentally ill, mentally handicapped and physically handicapped people into community care.