§ Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he has put in place to ensure adequate provision of hospital beds over the Christmas period in Waverley and Guildford. [143543]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonIn line with our policy on "Shifting the Balance of Power", responsibility for local services now rests with local trusts.
Cranleigh Village Hospital and Haslemere Community Hospitals will be closed between 19 December 2003 and 5 January 2004. This is a traditionally quiet period and community hospital beds at the Haslemere site were closed at this time during 2000 and 2001. However, patients will be able to return to the hospitals at short notice if necessary.