§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what discussions the Scottish Office has had with Ayrshire and Arran health board relating to the concluding of its proposed contract with Irvine Care Ltd;
(2) what delays have occurred in concluding the contract between Ayrshire and Arran health board and Irvine Care Ltd; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 20 March 1995]: Contract negotiations between Ayrshire and Arran health board and its providers are a matter for the health board. The board has kept the Scottish Office informed of progress in this matter.
Delays arose as the board entered detailed discussions with the provider and the Community Health Care Trust on a range of issues including the application of the transfer of undertaking and protection of employment regulations.
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) when Ayrshire and Arran health board expects to conclude the contract for the replacement of Ravenspark hospital with Irvine Care Ltd;
(2) when Ayrshire and Arran health board now plans Ravenspark hospital to close; and when it plans the replacement facility for its patients to be opened.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 20 March 1995]: The contract between Ayrshire and Arran health board and the provider is currently with Irvine Care Ltd for signature.
Ravenspark hospital will remain open until such time as replacement provision is available for present residents. Any formal proposal for the closure of Ravenspark hospital must be subject to a public consultation exercise and the final approval of my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what staffing requirement has been agreed by Ayrshire and Arran health board and Irvine Care Ltd for the replacement facility for Ravenspark hospital; and if he will indicate how this compares with current arrangements.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 20 March 1995]: This is a matter for Ayrshire and Arran health board. Staff levels and skill mix form an integral part of the contract between the health board and Irvine Care Limited. The levels agreed are broadly comparable with existing provision.