§ 42. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that the building used as the Westcotes Maternity Hospital, Leicester, is up to the required standard and generally satisfactory for its purposes.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Patricia Hornsby-Smith)No, Sir, but my right hon. Friend is informed that the hospital authorities are at present carrying out certain improvements with a view to raising the standard.
§ Mr. JannerWill the hon. Lady make an inquiry into the position herself, as there is considerable dissatisfaction with the accommodation for patients?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithI think that position is accepted in view of the fact that it was originally intended to close the Westcotes Maternity Hospital and to provide alternative accommodation at the John Faire Hospital, Leicester, which is now empty. That scheme will not be completed until next year, and it has been decided, in view of the necessity for these beds, that this particular unit should be upgraded and improvements made. These are under way.