HC Deb 30 June 1953 vol 517 cc176-7
6. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the apprehension in Clackmannanshire at the danger threatening the county accidents hospital by the loss of its resident doctor; whether he is aware that the mining industry and population is developing rapidly; and whether he will give an assurance that there will be no reduction in the services provided.

Mr. J. Stuart

There is no intention of reducing the services at this hospital; but, unfortunately, advertisements for a house officer have failed to produce a candidate. I am considering with the hospital authorities what other arrangements can be made, and I will write to the right hon. Gentleman when I know the result.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the decision, or at least the apparent decision, to reduce the status of this hospital on account of the teaching status of the hospital is causing great alarm among the mining population of the area and that the mining population are, in the long run, the consumers so to speak? They are the people who have to be treated there when they have accidents, and they need an assurance that they will not have long to wait for operations nor have to be transported to Glasgow and elsewhere. Do they not need a first-class service of this kind?

Mr. Stuart

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that, while I understand his anxiety, there has been no decision to do away with the house officer post; there is simply the difficulty of filling it. I will certainly keep the right hon. Gentleman informed.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the difficulty is due to the alteration in the curriculum of the universities and instead of having a junior student dealing with this work, which is a rather serious matter concerning physical operations, it might be advisable to have a more senior person dealing with this hospital?

Mr. Stuart

I will certainly consider what the right hon. Member has said.