§ 10. Mr. Gourlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of geriatric beds available in the area of the East Fife Hospitals Board of Management, and the number of cases awaiting admission to those beds; and if he will make a statement regarding the delay in providing additional beds in Buckhaven.
§ Mr. GalbraithThere are 93 beds. The waiting list is estimated at 127. My right hon. Friend appreciates the concern in East Fife about geriatric accommodation, but the regional hospital board is hoping to start work on new building next year which will help to meet the geriatric need.
§ Mr. GourlayIs the Joint Under-Secretary aware that in the County of Fife we have only about 47 beds per 100,000 of the population compared with 165 beds per 100,000 of the population in the Eastern Regional Hospital Board area? In view of the serious plight of the aged chronic sick in Kirkcaldy and district, does not he consider that what is necessary is the immediate and effective implementation of the Government's General Election promises to speed up hospital building?
§ M. GalbraithI am aware that the situation in Fife has not been as good as in some other parts of the area. I hope that the new building to which I have referred will help to meet the situation.