HC Deb 05 February 1952 vol 495 cc786-8
27 and 28. Mr. Thomas Hubbard

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what steps are being taken to increase the number of beds in the General Hospital, Nether Street, Kirkcaldy;

(2) if a date has been fixed to commence building the general hospital at Cameron, Fife.

Commander Galbraith

Arrangements are being made for building a new hospital for the district at Cameron Bridge. In the country's present economic circumstances, it is impossible to forecast when actual building will be begun, but preliminary work is well in hand.

Mr. Hubbard

Is the Joint Under-Secretary aware that the existing hospital in Kirkcaldy is grossly overcrowded, and that there are shocking waiting lists for beds, and this in a mining area where there is a high incidence of accidents, which interfere very much with production and loss of manpower? Is he also aware that it will take years to complete the new hospital, and will he not have a look to see if something can be done in the meantime to overcome this terrible problem in this area?

Commander Galbraith

I regret the length of the waiting list at Kirkcaldy, but the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that to go ahead with extensions would be a gross waste of time when a new hospital is actually in contemplation.

Mr. Hubbard

Is the hon. and gallant Member not aware that a hospital in contemplation is not serving the people who are suffering from this trouble at the present time and require immediate service, and that the wards are grossly overcrowded to such an extent as would not be permitted in either houses or factories? Is he not also aware that this situation cannot continue until some impossible date in the future, and would he not have another look at the matter to see if some short-term policy cannot be devised to deal with the immediate need?

Commander Galbraith

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the time taken to build the extension will probably be as long as that required to build the hospital.

29. Mr. Hubbard

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons suffering from tuberculosis in Kirkcaldy are awaiting admission to hospital.

Commander Galbraith

On 1st February, nine persons in Kirkcaldy suffering from respiratory tuberculosis were awaiting admission to hospital.