§ 111. Mr. FraserTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received on the closure of 137 acute beds at St. Thomas' hospital in Lambeth; and whether he will take action to reverse the closures.
§ Mrs. CurrieAbout 20 letters have been received concerning the closure of acute beds at St. Thomas' hospital, including those forwarded by hon. Members.
West Lambeth health authority is implementing a package of measures, including some which will generate more income, and many which do not directly affect patient care. Health authorities are required to live within their budgets, and Ministers recognise the difficulty of reconciling what appears to be infinite demand for finite resources. Difficult decisions have to be taken on competing priorities, and we believe these decisions are best taken at local level in the light of local circumstances.