§ 6. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Minister of Health whether he has yet reached a decision with regard to the future of Queen Mary's Hospital for Children, Carshalton.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithNot yet. I realise the importance of reaching a decision as soon as practicable; but there are many important considerations to be assessed in relation to each other, and I must be careful to give due weight to each.
§ Mr. FletcherWhile there may be a general case for integration, will the Minister bear in mind that there are powerful arguments in favour of special pediatric hospitals, both in the interests of child patients and the training of medical and nursing staffs? Will he bear in mind the weight of general medical advice on this subject?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI have in mind the Report of the Royal College of Physicians and what it said about the value of separate children's hospitals and the siting of hospitals so that regular visiting by parents may be made easy. In addition, I must have regard to the welcome fall in the demand for accommodation and my duty to make the best possible use of the hospital accommodation available.