§ 2. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why there is no electro-cardiograph equipment in the County of Sutherland, thus causing many patients to make unnecessary journeys to Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow at considerable expense to the National 1213 Health Service and to themselves; and if he will take immediate steps to have suitable equipment installed at the Law-son Memorial Hospital in Golspie.
§ Mr. GalbraithPortable equipment is carried by specialists visiting the area, and my right hon. Friend has no evidence that many patients have to travel as the hon. Member suggests. The board of management has, however, decided to purchase an electro-cardiograph for use at this hospital.
§ Sir D. RobertsonWhen will this cardiograph be installed?
§ Mr. GalbraithI cannot say exactly when it will be installed, but we do not expect that there will be any undue-delay.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIs it not incredible that in a county of almost 1 million acres there is not a single cardiograph machine—either in the county town or in any of the large villages? Irrespective of what the Minister says, it is a fact that the statements made in my Question were made to me by doctors in the county, and I am quite sure that they are correct. It is sheer neglect.