HC Deb 27 February 1956 vol 549 c819
29. Mr. Snow

asked the Minister of Health how many amenity beds are available at Burton-on-Trent General Hospital.

Mr. Turton

Thirteen.

Mr. Snow

In view of that rather surprising Answer, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a constituent of mine whose son was involved in a motor accident in which he suffered severe head injuries was informed that there were no amenity beds, and only after this Question had been put on the Order Paper was an amenity bed provided? Is he aware that on the occasion of the original inquiry there was a direct implication that if seclusion were needed it would involve a pay bed?

Mr. Turton

I should be glad to have particulars of that case. My information is that there were no requests for amenity beds during 1955 and that 86 per cent. of these beds were being used by non-paying patients.