§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment has been made of the impact of the proposed acute bed closures in the Eastern health board area on reducing the waiting list for cardiac surgery which is a regional speciality.
§ Mr. HanleyThe Eastern health and social services board's proposals for acute bed closures, set out in its recently published consultative document, are framed on the premise that the same or even greater numbers of patients can be treated in fewer beds by taking advantage of the latest developments in medical technology, securing greater efficiency in the use of beds and making greater use of day and out-patient procedures. The board's proposals are not therefore expected to impact adversely on the provision of cardiac surgery.