HC Deb 12 December 1960 vol 632 cc23-4
27. Mr. Randall

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made by the ad hoc committee established by the Newcastle Regional Hospital Board to complete the originally planned 250 beds and other facilities required for the full development of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital at Gateshead.

Mr. Powell

None, Sir; the Board is reviewing hospital requirements and provision on a wider basis.

Mr. Randall

The ad hoc committee was set up some time ago. I agree that there has been some alteration in respect of beds, but does the Minister realise that facilities for out-patients need examination and that there is quite a serious situation there in that respect? I should be very grateful if he would look at the matter.

Mr. Powell

Yes, but I think that such a matter can properly be examined only in a context wider than that of a single hospital.

28. Mr. Randall

asked the Minister of Health what hospital accommodation and facilities were available to the citizens of Gateshead immediately prior to the appointed day of the National Health Service; what were the population figures on that day; and if he will list the hospital accommodation and facilities now available, together with the figures of population served by the Gateshead and District Hospital Management Committee.

Mr. Powell

As the Answer includes a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Randall

I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman has examined the figures. Will he agree that the population has gone up by about 100 per cent. since the previous Administration and that the number of beds under the new Administration has increased by less than 50 per cent., and out-patient consultations have risen from 30,000 to 153,000? Do not these figures indicate a need for an extensive increase in the facilities at the disposal of the Gateshead and District Hospital Management Committee?

Mr. Powell

When the hon. Gentleman looks at my reply, he will see that the percentages are substantially different from those he mentioned. The most striking figure is the increase in the number of doctors and nurses, which has enabled much more effective use to be made of a given number of beds.

Dame Irene Ward

In view of the urgent needs of the North-East Coast in hospital services, may we look forward to a visit from my right hon. Friend at a fairly early date?

Mr. Powell

Yes, Sir; I should like to accede to my hon. Friend's request. I look forward to being in the Newcastle region next Easter and seeing for myself all branches of the National Health Service there.

Following are the figures:

GATESHEAD AND DISTRICT HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
— 5th July, 1948 30th September 1960
Staffed Beds 814 1,036*
Staff:—
Medical 23 47
Nursing 292 478
Population (estimated) 115,100 169,881
* Queen Elizabeth 159
Bensham General 372
Sheriff Hill 123
Gateshead Children's 45
Whinney House 25
Whickham and District War Memorial Cottage 31
Windy Nook Infectious Disease —
Norman's Riding 76
Dunston Hill 205