War Memorial Hospital, Peebles

HC Deb 25 January 1955 vol 536 c12

20. Mr. Pryde

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to be able to replace the War Memorial Hospital at Peebles.

Mr. J. Stuart

I regret that it may be some years before this work can be undertaken, since the regional hospital board has other priority schemes to complete first.

Mr. Pryde

Does that reply indicate that those brave girls on the nursing staff are to be condemned for some years to carry patients, who, in many cases, are in an advanced stage of pregnancy, whenever the River Tweed rises above normal?

Mr. Stuart

I agree that the hospital is badly sited and is inadequate. There are, however, very many other cases to be dealt with. Meanwhile, the board of management is reducing the risk of flooding by heightening the wall.