HC Deb 27 November 1995 vol 267 cc475-6W
Mr. Robin Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many closure proposals are currently being

Health visitors and district nurses1: by qualification
Headcount: at 30 September
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 21995
Health visitors 1,753 1,793 1,762 1,889 1,843 1,823 1,786 1,758
Health visitors 3 1,609 1,651 1,612 1,676 1,640 1,630 1,609 1,588
Health visitor with combined duties4 144 142 150 213 203 193 177 170
District nurses 53,220 2,727 2,702 2,696 2,687 2,650 2,672 2,691
District nurses 3 52,575 2,104 2,104 2,101 2,103 2,095 2,143 2,177
District nurse with combined duties4 645 623 598 595 584 555 529 514

Notes:

1Data from September 1991 are derived using a new occupation classification for nursing staff. This may have caused some discontinuities in the time series as previous misclassifications have been corrected.

2 Data at 31 March 1995.

3 The figures for health visitors and district nurses include some staff without an HV or DN qualification working in these fields, probably in a supporting role.

4 Health visitors with combined duties including district nursing and vice versa are included under both categories in the table, (i.e., double counted).

5Data at 30 September 1988 include some qualified nurses working in the community but not necessarily as district nurses. In subsequent years these nurses have been reclassified.

Source:

National Manpower Statistics from payroll (NAMS) Information and Statistics Division.

Health visitors and district nurses1: by qualification
Whole time equivalent: at 30 September
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 19952
Health visitors 1,655.30 1,696.30 1,653.50 1,751.20 1,692.40 1,663.70 1,613.50 1,588.30
Health visitors 3 1,516 1,559.60 1,508.60 1,546.20 1,497.40 1,479.10 14,431 1,424
Health visitor with combined duties 4 139.3 136.7 144.9 205 195 184.6 170.4 164.4

submitted by NHS trusts and boards with regard to long-term stay in Scotland; and if he will list the hospitals targeted for closure. [1272]

Mr. Michael Forsyth

I have approved the closure of Gartloch, Woodilee, Gogarburn, Broomhill and Lochmaddy hospitals. All will remain open until such time as the planned reprovision of accommodation and services are in place and available.

Proposals affecting Lochgreen, Lennos Castle, Craig Dunain and Eastbank hospitals have been submitted by the respective health boards for my consideration.

Closure proposals are a matter for the health boards. Before they are presented for my decision the health boards must conduct a public consultation exercise in every case. On receipt of closure proposals I look for confirmation that genuine consultations have taken place; that the reprovision arrangements are appropriate; and that the health board has agreed its proposals with the local social work and housing authorities.

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