§ 31. Mr. Gourlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons awaiting admission to the hospital in Kirkcaldy for general surgery at the latest available date and on the corresponding date in 1959, respectively.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith)The number of persons awaiting admission to Kirkcaldy General Hospital for general surgery was 259 on 30th September, 1960, and 274 on 30th September, 1959.
§ Mr. GourlayIs the hon. Gentleman aware that those figures do not reflect the correct position in Kirkcaldy, since many people in the area are treated in Edinburgh hospitals? In view of the circumstances, does he not agree that the suggestion to provide private beds in Victoria Hospital would be against the best interests of the community at large?
§ Mr. GalbraithI agree with the hon. Gentleman that they do not give the present situation, because they do not take account of the new buildings in the Victoria Hospital which were opened at the beginning of last month. Over the next few months there will be a distinct improvement.
§ 32. Mr. Gourlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons awaiting admission for medical treatment to Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, at the latest available date, and on the corresponding date in 1959, respectively.
§ Mr. GalbraithThe number of persons on the general medicine waiting list was six on 30th September, 1960, compared with one on 30th September, 1959. The corresponding figures for the geriatric waiting list were 61 and 62 respectively.
§ Mr. GourlayThose figures reflect the very favourable position in respect of medical beds, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that some of the consultants in Fife are pressing to have private beds provided in the new Victoria Hospital? As the provision of such beds would lead to queue jumping according to one's financial means, will the hon. Gentleman oppose any suggestion of providing private beds in that hospital.
§ Mr. GalbraithI will look into the matter.