§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when, and by whom, it was decided to close beds at Hunters Moor Hospital, Newcastle; on what grounds the decision was taken; and when those beds will be reopened. [157102]
§ Mr. HuttonNorthgate and Prudhoe National Health Service Trust agreed in October 2000 to upgrade the facilities for patients as soon as possible after they began to manage the rehabilitation services provided at Hunters Moor Hospital, as requested by both Newcastle and North Tyneside health authority and Newcastle community health council. Work to upgrade facilities began in December and five beds were closed at that time. Three beds reopened as work progressed and as of 4 April all beds were open.