§ 33. Mr. M. Stewartasked the Minister of Health what proposals he has received from the governors of Charing Cross Hospital concerning the size of the teaching hospital which it is proposed to establish in Fulham; and what reply he has made.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI have today received the board's proposals, which involve providing 1,082 beds. These proposals will now be considered and discussed with the board as soon as possible.
§ Mr. StewartIs the Minister aware that the Governors have expressed the view that something like that number of beds will be required if the hospital is both to perform its teaching function and meet the needs of the locality? Does he not appreciate that if he does not accept those proposals the whole plan will become more unacceptable both to the governors and the people of Fulham than it is at present?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe basis of the figure will, of course, have to be studied with the board of governors and the regional hospital board. The hon. Gentleman will recall that we are seeking to provide in this new Charing Cross Hospital a service for the Fulham area which will compare favourably with that which the rebuilt Fulham Hospital would have given.
§ Mr. StewartBut will the Minister recollect that when this matter was discussed earlier in the House his Parliamentary Secretary spoke of a hospital having something like 700 or 800 beds, and that that smaller figure caused a good deal of alarm?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithYes. My advisers have hitherto taken the view that a smaller number than the figure at present put forward by the board of governors would be appropriate. That is one of the things which we must study together in looking at the plans.