§ 38. Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take to improve the accommodation at St. George's Hospital, Morpeth, in the county of Northumberland, in view of the problem of overcrowding.
§ Miss PittMy predecessor described the improvements undertaken and proposed at this hospital in the reply he gave to the hon. Member on 16th February. In addition, the expansion of other hospitals in the area will eventually release further accommodation for mental patients.
§ Mr. OwenWhilst appreciating that this change will take place, may I ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether she is aware of the serious overcrowding in the hospital, and whether steps can be taken to expedite the urgently needed accommodation?
§ Miss PittYes, Sir, I am aware of the overcrowding, but I think that the solution for this hospital is not expansion, since it is already too large, but improved methods of treatment, so that patients may be discharged earlier and beds can be turned over more quickly, with the provision of additional accommodation elsewhere in the region. That is under consideration.