§ 33. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the need to appoint a clinical psychiatrist to be attached to the general hospitals in North Staffordshire; and if he will state the reasons for the delay in making this appointment.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe post has been advertised, and the closing date for applications is 2nd May. I have written to the hon. Member explaining why some delay was inevitable in this case.
§ Mr. SwinglerWhile thanking the Minister for the letter which he has sent explaining the reason for the period of months that we have been without any psychiatrist, will he give an assurance that the new system which is now proposed will mean no less a service at the City General Hospital than we have had hitherto during the past few years?
§ Mr. MacleodI understand that that will be so, but perhaps I can go into the exact point that the hon. Member has raised with the regional board and the management committees concerned.
§ Dr. StrossWill the Minister bear in mind that the former psychiatrist, who unfortunately died, was very highly trained and skilled and did very excellent work in this hospital which is not only in my constituency but serves the whole of North Staffordshire? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the assurance for which we are really asking is that someone of similar qualifications shall succeed him?
§ Mr. MacleodI take note of those remarks. In fact—and I am sure the hon. Gentleman knows this—the vacancy is for a consultant psychiatrist.