HC Deb 22 July 1954 vol 530 cc1547-8
4. Mr. Anderson

asked the Minister of Health the position arising from the subsidence at Meadow View Hospital, Whitehaven, and the evacuation of patients to Carlisle and Sunderland; if he is aware that there is dissatisfaction of relatives and friends owing to the long-distance journeys involved in visiting the patients, both as to cost, and the difficulty of transport; what are the reasons for not transferring the patients to Haverigg Aerodrome, Millom, as soon as the subsidence occurred; and if it is the intention of the hospital authority to restore the hospital for normal use again.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The danger of subsidence forced the regional hospital board to arrange the immediate transfer of patients as an emergency measure to hospitals in Carlisle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough. I know and regret the disadvantages to which the hon. Member refers, and several possible ways of finding nearer accommodation are being examined. Immediate removal to Haverigg Airfield would not have been practicable because of staffing difficulties. A decision on the future of Meadow View House cannot be taken until the final effects are known.

Mr. Anderson

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, first, whether the availability of the sick quarters at Haverigg Aerodrome has been conveyed to the Special Areas Committee, and, if so, what has been the decision? Secondly, can he use his influence with the Special Areas Committee to make special arrangements for the relatives of these chronic patients to be conveyed to places like Carlisle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough until they can be returned to the West Cumberland area? Thirdly,—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] I should like hon. Members to know that this is a most important question.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member should bear in mind that every Member considers that his own Question is very important.

Mr. Anderson

Thirdly, is it the policy of the Special Areas Committee to return these patients to West Cumberland as soon as possible?

Mr. Macleod

On the question of Haverigg Aerodrome, permission has been given by the Air Ministry but that does not overcome the staffing difficulty, which is the accommodation problem, because many nurses at Meadow View were married and lived out and cannot be transferred. I will take note of what the hon. Member said on the other matters. I should like to add that I am very grateful to him for his help.