HC Deb 15 March 1972 vol 833 cc510-1
5. Mr. W. Baxter

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is proposing to take to bring the wards and facilities at Stobhill Hospital up to the modern standards of the new wards, &c, of Falkirk Royal Infirmary.

Mr. Monro

The modernisation programme at the hospital is continuing and a major ward improvement scheme will start within the next two years.

Mr. Baxter

In appreciating and thanking the hon. Gentleman for that answer, as one who has had practical experience of being a patient in this hospital I want to pay the highest possible tribute to the staff there. I think that the wards leave very much to be desired, however, and I hope that these efforts will be put in hand more or less immediately.

Mr. Monro

I share the praise which the hon. Gentleman has for the staff of this fine hospital. Over the next five or six phases of the hospital building programme we hope to spend about £1 million on ward improvements there.

Mr. Baxter

I am obliged.

Mr. Ewing

While accepting that the new wards of Falkirk Royal Infirmary are of the high standard described by my hon. Friend the Member for West Stirlingshire (Mr. W. Baxter), may I ask whether there is not room for considerable improvement, particularly in the maternity facilities?

Mr. Monro

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the ward mentioned by the hon. Member for West Stirlingshire is a new one and we appreciate that it is exceptional. I will look at the other point mentioned by the hon. Gentleman.