Hospital Closures (Hansard, 9 December 1993)

§ Mr. Donohoe
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the closure of facilities in Ayrshire Central and Ravenspark hospitals by the Community Health Care NHS trust since its establishment in April; and what changes in service provision have been made.

§ Mr. Stewart
The trust has closed three pavilions at Ravenspark hospital since patient referrals have diminished following the contract with Ayrshire and Arran health board. In addition, the trust has transferred the geriatric assessment facility from Ravenspark to Ayrshire Central. The contracts which Ayrshire and Arran health board has with the trust do not require the trust to provide the same number of beds as previously existed.

§ Mr. Donohoe
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the closure of facilities in Crosshouse hospital by the North Ayrshire and Arran NHS trust since its establishment in April; and what reasons have been given for reductions in services.

§ Mr. Stewart
There has been no reduction in services. More patients have been treated in the first six months of the trust's existence compared with the same period last year and the trust is to be congratulated on its achievements. This increased activity has been achieved by changes in service delivery patterns which make better use of the facilities. Some wards are no longer required and have been closed but without any reduction in the service.
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§ Mr. Donohoe
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the refurbishment of the foyer of Crosshouse hospital by the North Ayrshire and Arran NHS trust; how much the refurbishment is costing; from where the funding for this refurbishment is being made available; and what similar work was carried out in Crosshouse hospital prior to the North Ayrshire and Arran trust being established this year.

§ Mr. Stewart
The main entrance of Crosshouse hospital has been refurbished with the creation of enhanced shop and tea bar facilities and the provision of new facilities for admissions, the patient welcoming service, a mother and baby room and toilets for disabled persons. The total cost is £150,000 of which £75,000 has been provided by the trust and the balance donated by the WRVS. The entrance has not been upgraded since the hospital opened in 1982.