§ 46. Mr. Hoyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many geriatric beds will be provided by the extension to Liberton Hospital; and how many persons are at present on the waiting list in Edinburgh.
§ Mr. HoyIs the Secretary of State aware that the plight of these geriatric patients is rapidly reaching scandalous proportions? Since there are so many on the waiting lists, can he take some action to speed up the provision of beds for this class of patient?
§ Mr. NobleI agree that the situation is urgent. As I said in my reply to the hon. Gentleman on 27th March, the regional board is already urgently considering how more beds for geriatric patients can be provided. It is hoped to provide about 150 additional beds for these patients by the autumn of this year.