§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the date upon which construction work will commence on the replacement East Glamorgan district general hospital.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettIt is for Mid Glamorgan health authority to decide the date in which construction work commences.
§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many beds are to be included in the replacement East Glamorgan district general hospital.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettThis new hospital development is being planned on the basis of a district general hospital of 640 beds. Initially it is proposed that 533 beds will be provided.
§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will ensure that sufficient revenue capital will be available to ensure that the existing level of health provision at East Glamorgan district general hospital will be maintained until the opening of the replacement East Glamorgan hospital; and if he will make a statement as to the likely cost, per annum, of ensuring that provision.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettUntil such time as the new hospital is open, services will continue to be provided from East Glamorgan hospital. The extent to which services are provided will depend upon the contracts placed with the hospital by the purchasers of its services—mainly Mid Glamorgan health authority and the local GP fund-holding practices. Health authorities and GP fund holders have a duty to secure the best quality and value for money in the services they obtain with the funds provided to them. They will have to satisfy themselves that East Glamorgan hospital meets these criteria if the existing level of provision is to be maintained or increased.