§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will investigate the complaints made by families of patients who have attended the hospital alleging a fall in standards of the elderly care unit in the Pontefract hospital; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many written complaints have been made to authorities about changes in standards at the elderly care unit in Pontefract hospital; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he has received any representation about changes in the standards of the support services in the elderly care unit of Pontefract hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe DHA follows up all complaints (figures in the table show complaints and letters of appreciation). An unusually high figure for January to March this year led to individual discussions with complainants and the CHC secretary. As a result of this local managers have taken action to remedy immediate problems (for example over linen supply) and to improve staff training and counselling. I am sure the DHA will ensure that the appreciation of the services in this unit is matched by high quality care.
Supply Estimates for class XIV, vote 1, for the costs of constructing the new Westminster and Chelsea teaching hospital;
(2) what resources have been allocated in the next three financial years for construction of the new Westminster and Chelsea teaching hospital.
§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 25 April 1989]: Provision for estimated expenditure on the Westminster and Chelsea hospital is contained within the total sum analysed in table 4. As a result of an administrative error the scheme is not, however, separately identified. I apologise for the omission. The information requested, set out in the form in which it would otherwise have appeared in the Supply Estimate, is given in the table.
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Westminster and Chelsea hospital Timetable Year of start 1989–90 Estimated year of completion: Original 1992–93
Timetable Current 1992–93 Estimated total cost: Original £116,070 Current £116,070 Probable spend to 31 March 1989 £9,832 Estimates provision 1989–90 £22,246 Estimated spend after 31 March 1989 £83,992