HC Deb 18 January 1988 vol 125 cc573-4W
Mr. Cartwright

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he received the recommendation from the South East Thames regional health authority to transfer the neurosciences unit from the Brook hospital, Woolwich; what consideration he has given to this proposal; and when he plans to visit the hospital.

Mrs. Currie

The recommendation from South East Thames regional health authority to build a new regional neurosciences unit, which will replace the existing provision at the Brook hospital and the Maudsley hospital, was sent to the Department on 22 June 1987. Either my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, or my right hon. Friend the Minister for Health, will visit both hospitals after departmental officials have received and considered further information and clarification from the regional health authority on a number of important issues. This complex proposal, involving capital expenditure of at least £29 million and which would result in the closure of the neurosciences unit at the Brook hospital, is being given detailed and careful consideration.