§ 39. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health what progress has been made in providing adequate convalescent accommodation for patients in the North East Metropolitan Hospital Board area during the last five years; how many patients have been refused immediate convalescent treatment because of lack of accommodation; what further steps are being taken to provide adequate accommodation; and to what extent the difficulty is that of securing staff.
§ Miss PittI am not aware of difficulties in finding staffed beds for patients from this area who need convalescent treatment.
§ Mr. SorensenWould the hon. Lady make further inquiry into this matter, for the information which I have received is that there is a certain amount of delay in certain cases in giving adequate convalescent treatment to patients who have been recommended for it? In these circumstances, would she not make further inquiry?
§ Miss PittIf the hon. Gentleman has a particular problem in mind, I shall be very glad to look into it, but in fact a standing joint advisory committee on convalescence was set up by the four Metropolitan hospital boards some time ago to look into this question of convalescent facilities. The committee is examining the position at present. It is looking for the potential demand in two hospitals and is prepared to extend that to other hospitals. In general, the demand is falling.
§ 40. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health what relation the proposed internal administrative reorganisation of the North East Metropolitan Hospital Board has to the proposed Greater London local government reorganisation; and when the regional board's re organisation is to be initiated and completed.
§ Mr. PowellNone, Sir. I am considering proposals for regrouping which the board has just submitted.
§ Mr. SorensenDo I understand from the Minister that it is purely a coincidence that this regrouping and reorganisation 884 is taking place at the same time as consideration of the local government reorganisation now taking place?
§ Mr. PowellYes, Sir.