HC Deb 15 November 1954 vol 533 cc26-7
46. Mr. Albu

asked the Minister of Health if he is now prepared to sanction the building of the new out-patients' department of North Middlesex Hospital, including a new chest clinic.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Iain Macleod)

I am afraid that it has not yet been possible to find a place for this project in the capital programme.

Mr. Albu

Is the Minister aware that there is serious overcrowding in the chest clinic, with considerable dangers for both patients and staff, and that the number of new patients has doubled since 1948 and is still rising very rapidly indeed?

Mr. Macleod

I am aware of the problems of the North Middlesex Hospital. This problem involves expenditure of about £350,000 and, therefore, is too big a scheme for a regional hospital to bear and would have to be financed separately. I am making a review of these schemes in a few weeks' time, and this proposal will be taken into consideration.

Mr. Albu

Will the right hon. Gentleman have this chest clinic looked at by a member of his Department?

Mr. Macleod

Yes, indeed.