§ 30. Mr. Joynson-Hicksasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered a copy of the resolution sent to him, which was passed at a mass meeting held in May at Arundel, protesting against the proposal to close the Arundel and District Hospital; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
§ Mr. BevanIt is the Worthing Group Hospital Management Committee which has suggested that this hospital should be closed. The planning of hospital services is a responsibility of the Regional Hospital Board and I should not consider any proposal which has not been the subject of a recommendation by the Board.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I hold in my hand a petition signed by 3,620 people in this rural area protesting against the closing of this hospital, which is essential for the locality? Will he take that into consideration when the suggestion comes before him from the Hospital Board?
§ Mr. BevanCertainly, I will take it into account at the time. It must, however, be understood that very many of these proposals to close hospitals are not the result of any attempt to keep expenditure within the estimate, but that it was always intended, as part of the re-organisation of the hospital service itself. Very often the views of the local inhabitants do not square with the views of the experts on the committee. I shall, however, take into account what the hon. Member has said.
§ Earl WintertonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is very strong feeling over this matter, which is not in any way directed against him or the National Health Act? Will he give sympathetic consideration to the matter, 2296 which has caused intense feeling, and see whether some compromise cannot be reached?
§ Mr. BevanIt must be understood that it was always intended that very small hospitals, where the service is not always competent—and the emotions of the local inhabitants are not the best test of the competency of the hospital service—should be closed down in the reorganised hospital service. I cannot be asked to sacrifice the welfare of the patients to local sentiment about a hospital.
§ Mr. CuthbertMay I ask the Minister to use his influence in this respect? Some time ago we realised that there was a shortage of beds in the country, and particularly in this district, and although the Worthing Hospital authorities say they will be able to accommodate all the sick people from that district, we ourselves know that they cannot. Will he look at it from that angle—that of the closing of beds?
§ Mr. BevanI certainly would not permit any reorganisation to take place which would result in an absolute loss of accommodation in the area.