HC Deb 20 December 1955 vol 547 c1831
26. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what provision is now available for patients in Lanarkshire who have tuberculosis, in regard to beds, staffing and thoracic surgery.

Mr. J. Stuart

At 30th September there were 783 staffed beds for respiratory tuberculosis in Lanarkshire hospitals of which 656 were occupied. The staffing of these beds is at a satisfactory level. There is now no significant waiting list for Lanarkshire patients, and it is no longer necessary to send any to hospitals outside the county. Five operating sessions for thoracic surgery are provided weekly at Hairmyres Hospital, and this is proving adequate to meet the current need.

Mrs. Mann

While that reply is very satisfactory, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is quite certain that these arrangements will be adequate following mass radiography?

Mr. Stuart

My advice, based, of course, on the best medical advice, is that our arrangements are adequate at the present time, but we will, of course, watch very carefully.