HC Deb 05 March 1956 vol 549 cc1706-7
38. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health how many beds, formerly occupied by cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, are now unoccupied in the sanatoria serving north Staffordshire; and what arrangements have been made so that such beds should be used for the treatment of other pulmonary conditions, including pneumoconiosis.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Approximately half these beds are in wards which could be set aside for non-tuberculosis patients if required.

Dr. Stross

Has the Parliamentary Secretary noted that in the area of which I am speaking, Stoke-on-Trent, there is a very fine hospital which is hardly ever used, the fever hospital, because now there are scarcely ever any cases of diphtheria and other fevers? Will she consider taking the advice of the hospital management committee, which is very interested in making use of it for the purposes that I have indicated in my Question?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I am not at all sure that the hon. Member is not trying to ask a Question to which he got a negative reply last week—that we should make a special centre for this treatment instead of using facilities at general hospitals. The most important point is that the use of any of these beds has not been refused to any patient. If the hon. Member has any evidence of a case not receiving treatment when the facilities were there, I will be only too happy to look at it.

Dr. Stross

As it is difficult to deal with this matter by Question and Answer, may I write to the hon. Lady about it more fully?