§ 39. Mr. Wyn Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what study he has made of the problems of 109W access to hospitals and clinics in rural areas.
§ Sir K. JosephAn operational research study has been commissioned which will consider the possible benefits and disadvantages of concentrating hospital facilities in relatively large units. Among the problems which the study will cover are the possible cost of access for patients, visitors and staff in terms of money, time and social hardships. A parallel study is concerned in a similar way with health centres and smaller hospitals.