§ Lord Molloyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ensure that the decision to close the West London Hospital is given further consideration and subjected to a full public inquiry.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Baroness Trumpington)No decision has been taken to close the West London Hospital. Riverside Health Authority issued a consultation document on the proposal to close the hospital inviting comments by 31st October and is now considering the comments received.
The formal procedure requires health authorities to consult widely on any proposals to close or change the use of hospitals; if the local community health council objects to the proposals and the health authority confirms its plans, the matter must be referred to the regional health authority and, if the regional health authority upholds the proposals, to Ministers for final decision. Should this occur, the matter would of course be given full and careful consideration before a decision was made.