HC Deb 08 December 1958 vol 597 cc19-20
21 and 22. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware that, owing to the shortage of maternity beds in Stoke-on-Trent, many mothers are discharged from hospital two or three days after their delivery; and what immediate and long-term proposals he has in mind for improvement of the service; and

(2) what funds are immediately available to the Birmingham Regional Board which can be used to improve the maternity services in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire; and whether, as the problem is so urgent, he will make available all reasonable financial help both for immediate short term aid and a long-term solution.

Mr. R. Thompson

My right hon. and learned Friend is aware of the shortage of maternity beds in this area. The regional hospital board has in hand a scheme for providing 18 additional antenatal beds as soon as possible, and longterm proposals for a new maternity block are being considered. It is for the board to determine what proportion of its available funds can be allocated to meet the needs of this area having regard to other urgent requirements elsewhere.

Dr. Stross

Does the Minister know that we are profoundly aware of the urgent need, spread throughout the region, and that in no way do we accuse the regional board of having any ulterior motives in the matter, but I think he is also aware that this is a very serious matter indeed in North Staffordshire? May we have it on record that the Answer given by the Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Ellis Smith) about the building of a new maternity block will be given urgent priority, for it is to take four years to build?

Mr. Thompson

I can certainly give a very sympathetic consideration there.

23. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health the number of maternity beds available per 100,000 of the population in Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.

Mr. R. Thompson

The figures are approximately: Liverpool 72, Manchester 55, Birmingham 52, Stoke-on-Trent 49 and North Staffs, including Stoke-on-Trent, 33. The hospitals in these towns serve a wider area.

Dr. Stross

Do not those figures highlight the fact that this is an urgent matter? Whilst accepting that the Minister and the Department have sympathy with our plight, has it been noted that we have actually fewer beds for the whole of North Staffordshire than we had before the war for the City of Stoke-on-Trent itself? May we have an assurance now that the action which is to be taken to increase the number of beds will be put in hand forthwith?

Mr. Thompson

It is difficult to make precise comparisons of the beds position since the area served by any particular hospital is not precisely defined. In answer to the second part of the hon. Member's question, a scheme to provide ante-natal beds in Stoke-on-Trent at a cost of £49,000 is in the capital programme of the board, and sketch plans are being prepared.