§ 3. Mr. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he intends to take to extend the provision of geriatric units throughout the hospital service in Scotland.
§ Mr. J. StuartThis is a problem to which regional hospital boards are giving the closest attention. Special geriatric units have been developed in some areas, 1628 and elsewhere additional specialist facilities have been provided. Work is in progress or about to start very shortly on a number of schemes for improvement of existing facilities.
§ Mr. HamiltonDoes the Minister not agree that it is desirable to have old people enabled to go about in their own homes, if that is at all possible? In view of the success of geriatric units in doing precisely that job, especially the one in Dundee, will he take further steps to point out the desirability of extending the provision of these units?
§ Mr. StuartI agree. In addition to the hon. Member's suggestion, the regional board is discussing with the board of management the possibility of using some unoccupied beds at the West Fife Infectious Diseases Hospital.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanIs my right hon. Friend aware that in the city and county of Perth ample and excellent accommodation for geriatric cases already exists?