§ 23. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Health what consideration he has given to the need to develop the Royal Infirmary and the City General Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent as a combined unit; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodIt is already the policy of the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board to develop these two hospitals as a combined unit. They intend to provide a joint out-patient, accident and casualty department but cannot yet say when it will be possible to fit this into the building programme.
§ Dr. StrossMay I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his reply and say that people in North Staffordshire have been looking forward to the association of these two great hospitals, which will provide roughly 1,500 beds and offer every type of facility to people who need them in every possible branch?
§ Mr. MacleodI understand that everybody concerned is anxious to get on with the integration of these hospitals, and where consultants are being appointed it is normal for them to be given sessions—no doubt a very good thing—at both hospitals.