HC Deb 08 April 1937 vol 322 cc351-2
63. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction that has been caused in Wednesfield and Willenhall as a result of the coming into force on 1st April of the new arrangements for the treatment of invalids, both public assistance applicants and hospital contributors, under the new Staffordshire County Council scheme; whether he realises that it is now necessary for patients to be taken a distance of from eight to ten miles to Wordsley institution instead of receiving treatment in the immediate vicinity at the New Cross hospital of the Wolverhampton Borough Council; and what resident medical officers are available at Wordsley for the treatment of these patients?

Sir K. Wood

The plans of the Staffordshire County Council for the reorganisation of hospital and other institutional accommodation in the county include the reconstruction of the present institution at Wordsley as a general hospital to serve the sick in the southern part of the county, and I have given my consent to this proposal. The hon. Member will appreciate that the improvement of institutional services and the better classification of patients, which were one of the objects of the Local Government Act, 1929, must sometimes involve the removal of certain patients to a greater distance from their homes, but if the hon. Member has any particular cases of hardship in mind I will make inquiries. With regard to the last part of the question, I understand that the medical officer of the Wordsley institution lives near at hand and is always available, and that the council propose to appoint a resident medical officer or officers as soon as the reconstruction permits.

Mr. Mander

In view of the strong local feeling and the great inconvenience caused, will my right hon. Friend consider using his good offices to secure a more satisfactory arrangement, and will he also be prepared to receive a deputation?

Sir K. Wood

No, I should prefer to confer with the hon. Member, who, no doubt, has all the points at his finger ends.

Mr. Mander

Will my right hon. Friend not rule out the possibility of meeting a deputation, in view of the fact that it is quite possible that he may be asked to see one?

Sir K. Wood

Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to see first how he and I get on together.

Sir F. Fremantle

If under these arrangements patients have to be taken further from their homes, will the right hon. Gentleman also arrange for an increase in the ambulance service?

Sir K. Wood

That is a matter for the local authorities.

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