§ 24. Mr. J. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the shortage of beds in maternity hospitals and general hospitals, respectively, in Paisley.
§ Mr. GalbraithThe Western Regional Hospital Board is at present undertaking a survey of the need for additional beds in general hospitals in the eastern part of Renfrewshire, including Paisley. I would prefer to await the outcome of this survey before venturing an estimate. The number of maternity beds required in the same area, on the scale recommended by the Maternity Services Review Committee, is about fifty.
§ Mr. RobertsonAs the hon. Gentleman is aware, there is a long-standing grievance in Paisley and district about the shortage of hospital beds, and in view of the fact that he has been aware of this shortage for many years, what steps does he propose to take to meet the shortage?
§ Mr. GalbraithI think the best thing to do is to wait till the regional hospital boards have finished their survey and then see what the position is.
§ 25. Mr. J. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many patients are awaiting admission to hospitals in Paisley; and what is the average period of waiting.
§ Mr. GalbraithThe total number—including non-urgent cases and those who have been waiting for only a few days—is about 850, against an annual turnover of about 7,500. Average waiting times are not readily available but I am writing to the hon. Member with details of waiting times in different specialities.
§ Mr. RobertsonWould the hon. Gentleman agree that this is an indication that there is a need for new hospital accommodation in Paisley and district? What proposals has he for building a new hospital in this district?
§ Mr. GalbraithI am advised that the general waiting period in Paisley and district is not unduly long compared with that in other areas.