HC Deb 08 November 1955 vol 545 cc1626-7
2 and 4. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he is aware of the deficiency of hospital beds for geriatric, general medicine, medical and surgical paediatric, eye, ear, nose and throat, and orthopaedic cases in the West Fife area; and what steps are contemplated in the immediate future to overcome such deficiencies;

(2) whether, in view of the deficiency of hospital provision in many departments in West Fife, he will institute an inquiry or statistical examination of the entire field, with a view to the formulation of a long-term plan.

Mr. J. Stuart

After a detailed study of the present and future needs of the area, undertaken jointly with the local hospital authorities, and having regard to the facilities available at Bridge of Earn and other hospitals within reach, the regional hospital board does not propose any major works beyond those already in hand. It is considered that completion of these works will enable a reasonably adequate service to be provided, subject perhaps to some adjustment in the use of existing facilities.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that continual reference to Bridge of Earn and Edinburgh hospitals is not good enough, and that it involves people in all kinds of expense which would not need to be incurred if facilities were provided in West Fife? Is he aware that the shortage of beds is estimated to be about 200 and that most of them, apart from geriatric beds, could be provided by an extension of the Dunfermline and West Fife hospital? Will he reconsider the matter in view of the importance of the area to the national economy?

Mr. Stuart

The hospital proposals for Dunfermline and West Fife are under consideration and will be dealt with. I must remind the hon. Member that, while I realise the importance of the whole problem, it is an area that we are dealing with. The Bridge of Earn hospital, for example, plays a very important part in serving the area, for in 1952 more than one-third of 6,500 patients discharged from Bridge of Earn hospital came from West Fife.

Mr. Hamilton

In connection with Question No. 4, relating to a statistical examination, will the right hon. Gentleman examine the staffing shortages? There is a feeling that at the periphery of the regions there is a shortage compared with the position at the centre. Will the right hon. Gentleman examine the distribution of staff as between centre and periphery?

Mr. Stuart

I will willingly ask the regional board to examine that point.