HC Deb 15 May 1956 vol 552 cc1805-6
14. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the growing lists of patients waiting for admission to the West Fife Hospital, Dunfermline; and what steps are contemplated to reduce especially the waiting period of orthopaedic and general surgery patients.

Mr. J. Stuart

Additional post-operative beds which will be available at another local hospital from July will expedite admissions, and two additional junior surgeons are being appointed. The casualty block due for completion at the end of 1957 will further increase local facilities.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the Minister aware that that Answer is satisfactory as far as it goes, but that there is an increasing need for the provision of orthopaedic beds in West Fife, where last year there were about 2,000 orthopaedic cases? Is he aware that there are only two beds available for such cases in the West Fife hospital, which necessitates patients having to travel to Bridge of Earn Hospital, with all the inconvience and expense involved?

Mr. Stuart

I am aware that the hon. Gentleman is concerned about this matter, and I assure him that the board is doing its best to deal with the position. It has never been envisaged that reliance on other hospitals— for example, that at Bridge of Earn—should cease in connection with orthopaedic cases.