HC Deb 09 February 1993 vol 218 c616W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what was the level of capital expenditure on the new ward block at the Royal Victoria infirmary, Newcastle after the completion of the initial contract in July 1991;

(2) when she expects the obstetrics and gynaecology wards to open at the Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary Trust new ward block; and what further additional capital cost will be involved;

(3) pursuant to her answer of 2 February, col. 155, if she will list the value and purpose of the additional contracts, capital spending or post-contract variations at the Newcastle Royal Victoria infirmary's new ward block.

Mr. Sackville

The post-contract modifications to implement the decision to amalgamate obstetrics and gynaecology at the new ward block, are expected to cost £6.2 million. The gynaecological ward will open on schedule on 29 March 1993, and the obstetric ward is planned to open on 8 November 1993. Additionally, the antenatal clinic on the site is expected to cost £2.1 million and is also planned to open on 8 November 1993. No additional capital costs are anticipated.

Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the original estimated capital cost for the unified ophthalmology service at the Royal Victoria infirmary, Newcastle when selected by her for special funding; when this estimated cost was submitted; and what the cost is now.

Dr. Mawhinney

The estimated capital cost of unifying ophthalmology services at the Royal Victoria Infirmary when the scheme was submitted to the Secretary of State on 2 May 1992 was £7.6 million. The final cost should be contained within this sum.

Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects the ward and other facilities for kidney treatment in-patients to open at the Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary Trust new ward block; and what further additional capital cost will be involved.

Mr. Sackville

Ward 36 for renal medicine and transplant services was opened as planned on 5 January 1993. Ward 37, for dialysis of both in-patients and out-patients is open and in partial use. No further capital costs will be incurred in commissioning these facilities.