§ 23. Mr. Abseasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the delays suffered by patients from the valleys of Monmouthshire at the casualty department of the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Monmouthshire; and what action will be taken to end such delays 28 and to improve the accommodation and facilities available at the department.
§ Mr. AbseI thank the hon. Lady for informing me that they are being considered, but would she give an assurance that something is being done? Is she aware that at the moment there is no consultant surgeon in charge of this department? Is she further aware that emergency operations resulting from accidents are taken at the end of the daily lists and, therefore, have to be done at night? Will not she give an assurance that these facilities will be provided without waiting for the Minister of Health to collect sufficient shillings from the aged and chronic sick?
§ Miss PittThe hon. Gentleman's information is not the same as mine. I am told that urgent cases are dealt with quickly and that it is with the minor cases that there is some delay. Nevertheless, on the general question, two centrally-financed schemes have been announced for the hospital, and there is a long-term plan for the eventual rebuilding of the hospital. Furthermore, in the long term, the new hospital for Abergavenny will help very considerably with casualties in Monmouthshire.