HC Deb 22 May 1989 vol 153 cc414-5W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department instructed the Wakefield district health authority to draw up plans for the building of houses on the site of Snapethorpe hospital, Wakefield.

Mr. Freeman

I know of no such plans. If permanent closure of Snapethorpe is agreed by Ministers it will be for the district health authority in consultation with the regional health authority, to decide upon its disposal or future use.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his Department's estimate of the site value of Snapethorpe hospital, Wakefield.

Mr. Freeman

The district and regional health authorities, in consultation with the district valuer, and taking account of future use potential, are responsible for assessing the site value.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which organisations and individuals have objected to the proposed closure of Snapethorpe hospital, Wakefield.

Mr. Freeman

Details are given in the document "Responses to the Consultation Document, Officer Comments and Recommendations" put to the 30 September meeting of Wakefield health authority. This is available from the health authority.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the number of patients treated in Snapethorpe hospital, Wakefield, in each year since 1979.

Mr. Freeman

The information requested is given in the table.

Snapethorpe Hospital—Deaths and Discharges
Chest Diseases Geriatrics Mental Illness General Medicine Pre-Convales-cent Total
1979 288 — 22 13 26 349
1980 245 33 16 — — 294
1981 187 46 25 — — 258
1982 190 — 35 — — 225
1983 182 33 — — — 215
19841 31 — — — — 31
1 to 31 March 1984

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if his Department instructed the Wakefield district health authority to withdraw from discussions with the Wakefield metropolitan district council regarding the possibility of a scheme of joint use of Snapethorpe hospital, Wakefield.

Mr. Freeman

No.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to discuss with Wakefield district council its proposals for the future use of Snapethorpe hospital, Wakefield, before any decision is made by his Department regarding its closure.

Mr. Freeman

I am aware that the district health authority has had meetings with the district council and will have taken the council's views into account in putting forward closure proposals. I have however, already agreed to meet the hon. Member to discuss the matter.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to visit Snapethorpe hospital, Wakefield, before any decision is made by his Department regarding its closure.

Mr. Freeman

The hon. Member's suggestion is noted. I shall consider it on its merits before any final decision is taken.