HC Deb 20 July 1959 vol 609 c857
13. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Health what steps he will take to provide facilities for casualties and out-patients in northern Swindon and the Penhill and Rodbourne areas after the opening of the new Princess Margaret Hospital at the southern end of the town.

Mr. R. Thompson

The Oxford Regional Hospital Board is satisfied that the facilities for casualties and outpatients which will be provided by the Princess Margaret Hospital will be adequate to meet the needs of the whole town, and my right hon. and learned Friend sees no reason to disagree with its view.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his Answer will be thought highly unsatisfactory in Swindon, because very large distances are involved? As I think he knows from the correspondence, many people are very apprehensive about what will happen when the existing casualty facilities in the town close down. Very many people are extremely worried. Will the hon. Gentleman look at the matter again?

Mr. Thompson

If the hon. Member is mainly worried about transport arrangements to the new hospital involving greater journeys compared with the existing arrangements, I can tell him that the Swindon and District Hospital Management Committee has given consideration to the question and has arranged that, when the first stage of the Princess Margaret Hospital is opened, a special additional half-hourly bus service will be provided from Swindon Town Hall to the hospital.