HC Deb 20 November 1987 vol 122 cc707-8W
Mr. Irving

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when a decision will be taken on the future of the Eastdale unit at Balderton hospital; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Currie

A decision will be taken following the consultation currently being undertaken by Central Nottinghamshire district health authority.

Mr. Irving

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultation procedure with interested bodies will take place on the proposed closure of the Eastdale unit at Balderton hospital; how it will be undertaken; and which community health council will be consulted.

Mrs. Currie

The Central Nottinghamshire district health authority has issued a consultation document to all interested organisations, in accordance with the normal procedures for consultation on proposed hospital closures. Bassetlaw, Central Nottinghamshire, Nottingham, North Lincolnshire and South Lincolnshire community health councils are being consulted.

Mr. Irving

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, pending a decision on the future of the Eastdale unit at Balderton hospital, it will continue to be available as an option when the discharge or transfer of a patient from a special hospital is being considered by any person or body, including mental health review tribunals, who has responsibility for discharging such a patient; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Currie

The unit will remain an option pending a decision on its future.

Mr. Irving

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the average annual cost for the financial years 1981–82 and 1985–86 of running the Eastdale unit; how many patients in each of these years were resident throughout the year and what was the cost per patient; and what was the average cost of keeping a patient at Rampton hospital for the same period.

Mrs. Currie

The annual cost of running the Eastdale unit in the financial years 1981–82 and 1985–86 was £229,000 and £256,000 respectively. No patient was resident in the unit throughout 1981–82; four were resident throughout 1985–86. The cost per patient was £16,099 in 1981–82 and £24,461 in 1985–86. The cost per patient in Rampton hospital was £16,273 in 1981–82 and £30,411 in 1985–86.