HC Deb 24 November 1958 vol 596 cc27-8
42. Mr. Dye

asked the Minister of Health how many beds are at present available for chronic sick patients in St. James's Hospital, King's Lynn; and how this compares with the number provided when the hospital was taken over from the Norfolk County Council.

Mr. R. Thompson

There are now 109 beds, of which 17 are temporarily not available due to repairs and redecoration, compared with 102 in 1948.

Mr. Dye

Would the hon. Gentleman say whether there are sufficient to meet the requirements, or has he under consideration the question of extending the facilities for accommodation for the chronic sick in that area of West Norfolk?

Mr. Thompson

Yes, Sir, the regional hospital board had a proposal for a substantial measure of rebuilding at St. James's Hospital, but on reconsideration it proved prohibitively expensive and was dropped. The board is now planning a new unit adjoining the West Norfolk and King's Lynn General Hospital to replace St. James's