HC Deb 29 July 1957 vol 574 cc862-4
34. Mrs. Slater

asked the Minister of Health what number of maternity beds are provided under the National Health Service in Manchester, Salford, Sheffield, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Eastbourne, and Stoke-on-Trent, respectively.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

The numbers of staffed beds allocated for this purpose on 31st December last at hospitals in the groups serving these towns were, 478, 78, 281, 583, 99, 41 and 157, respectively.

Mrs. Slater

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that in an area like Stoke-on-Trent, which has a very small number of beds as compared with Birmingham, there is a very real need for a greater number of maternity beds, due to the fact that in the city almost the only cases which can gain admission are those cases where the woman is having her first baby or those which are real emergency cases? Is he aware that many of these women are living in overcrowded conditions, which create a social problem? Can he do anything about it?

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

The planning of the maternity services is a matter for the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board. As to the relative numbers of beds available in Birmingham and Stoke-on-Trent, I have examined the figures, and I do not think that the hon. Member's statement is borne out. In addition, in connection with figures for various local authority areas, we have to remember that many hospitals serve wider areas, so that it is very difficult to make a fair comparison.

Mrs. Slater

That is not a large number, but in view of the comparatively small number of ordinary beds—apart from the pay-beds—and the fact that hospitals in the No. 21 Group serve a very much larger area than Stoke-on-Trent, as the Parliamentary Secretary has stated, cannot he ask that there should be further consideration of the whole question of the provision of maternity beds?

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

The figure given is a little misleading because the demand for maternity pay-beds is very small. In practice, it works out as equivalent to the full-time use of only five beds. I am assured that no application for maternity beds which is based on medical grounds is refused.