HC Deb 26 March 1991 vol 188 cc368-9W
Mr. Corbett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what response he has given to an application from the North Western regional health authority for a grant towards the cost of the approved move of the department of psychiatry for the deaf from Whittingham hospital, Preston, to Manchester; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Dorrell

On the advice of the supra-regional services advisory group, we are making available in 1991–92 bridging finance to assist with the proposed move of the department of psychiatry for the deaf from Whittingham hospital to Prestwich. The loan would be repayable on the sale of property or land on the Whittingham site.

The initial response of North Western regional health authority has been to decline the offer of bridging finance. The timing and funding of the relocation of the service is ultimately a matter for the health authority.

Mr. Latham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he will make a statement on the future of the Vale of Catmose hospital, Oakham, following the visit last summer by the hon. Member for Loughborough (Mr. Dorrell), Under-Secretary of State for Health.

Mr. Dorrell

Leicestershire health authority approved the closure of Catmose Vale hospital on 8 February 1989. The closure of Catmose Vale is part of the district's overall strategy for hospital services. A full public consultation exercise was carried out and the Leicestershire community health council agreed the closure. I understand the hospital will not close until facilities to reprovide services are complete at Rutland memorial hospital.

Mr. Carr

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many gynaecology beds will be available for(a) in-patients and (b) day care patients in Sharoe Green hospital on (i) 1 April 1991, (ii) 31 December 1991 and (iii) 1 April 1992; what percentage these are of beds available as at 1 April 1990; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dorrell

This information is not held centrally. The hon. Member may wish to write to Mr. W. I. Woolley, the chairman of Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley health authority, for details.