HC Deb 22 February 1999 vol 326 cc29-30W
Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received calling for the retention of Royal Hospital, Haslar as the tri-service medical centre. [70875]

Mr. Doug Henderson

The new strategy for the Defence Medical Services was the subject of comprehensive consultation within the three single Services and their respective medical Directors General are fully committed to implementing the recommendations.

Since the announcement of the closure of the Royal Hospital, Haslar, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has received direct representations from the Trade Unions and members of the public and there has been a protest march in Gosport. The Hospital Commander is consulting with local TUs, mainly through the Whitley process; staff in HQ DSCA are responding to the letters from the public. The representations of the protest marchers were received by the Agency Chief Executive.

Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason it has been determined that the Royal Hospital, Haslar will remain open until 2002. [70874]

Mr. Doug Henderson

In his statement on 14 December 1999,Official Report, column 329, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence made clear that the Royal Hospital, Haslar will remain open until new arrangements are in place. The booklet supporting the strategy announcement added that closure was unlikely before 2002. The plans of the Portsmouth and South East Hants Health Authority include the redevelopment of their Queen Alexandra Hospital site. This and the establishment of our new Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit (MDHU) will take a number of years. We have agreed with the NHS that the process of change should be managed and gradual to ensure that RHH is able, in the meantime, to maintain its training role for Military personnel and treatment services for both Service and NHS patients.

Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the reasons for choosing to establish a new Defence Medical Services Hospital Unit in Portsmouth rather than expanding the Royal Hospital, Haslar. [70878]

RH Haslar A&E attendances 1995–98
Year New attendances Service Follow up attendances Total New attendances Civilian Follow up attendances Total Totals for year
1995 1,690 5 1,695 16,968 30 16,998 18,693
1996 1,769 9 1,778 16,713 45 16,758 18,536
1997 1,819 6 1,825 18,585 69 18,654 20,479
1998 1,698 5 1,703 19,066 60 19,126 20,829
Total 6,976 25 7,001 71,332 204 71,536 78,537

Mr. Doug Henderson

The decision to close the Royal Hospital, Haslar (RHH) was announced on 14 December 1998Official Report, columns 328–29, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence as part of the overall new strategy for the Defence Medical Services.

Since RHH became the core Service hospital in 1994, significant changes have occurred which put the continued viability of the hospital in doubt. In particular, it has become increasingly difficult for RHH to provide the specialist levels of care demanded by local GPs, new healthcare strategies have been introduced by the local NHS Trust and the location of RHH is no longer ideal for the majority of Service personnel. Additionally, the running costs of RHH (not least the use of Grade 2 listed buildings) are significantly higher than any possible alternatives. Closer DMS co-operation with the NHS, through the Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit (MDHU) concept, has already demonstrated clear operational and financial advantages over isolated military hospitals. We intend to pursue this option in Portsmouth.

Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the effect of the closure of the Royal Hospital, Haslar on local employment. [70871]

Mr. Doug Henderson

Until the size and shape of the proposed Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit in Portsmouth is established it is much too early to estimate the impact of the closure of the Royal Hospital, Haslar on local employment. Once it is possible to do so, the Defence Secondary Care Agency will consult closely with Trade Unions and the Employment Services to ensure that any transfers and releases are carefully managed throughout the long lead time.

Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the costs of upgrading NHS facilities to replace the services supplied by Royal Hospital, Haslar to the civilian population. [70873]

Mr. Doug Henderson

This is a matter for the Department of Health. The provision of health care to the local population is the responsibility of the Portsmouth and South East Health Authority.

Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (i) civilian and (ii) military personnel have been treated at the Royal Hospital, Haslar since 1995(a) in total and (b) for accident and emergency cases. [70869]

Mr. Doug Henderson

Hospitals count the numbers of admissions and the number of outpatient appointments. Those details for the Royal Hospital, Haslar, along with those for accident and emergency cases, are as follows in the table, from 1 January 1995.