HC Deb 22 March 1965 vol 709 cc27-8
45. Sir A. V. Harvey

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the emergency heart operation recently carried out at the Congleton War Memorial Hospital to save the life of a child, he will give an assurance that the present facilities given by this hospital will continue.

Mr. Loughlin

I am glad to note the good use being made of this hospital. No question of its replacement can arise until better provision for the work now done there has been made and this could not be for many years.

Sir A. V. Harvey

That is all very well, but is the Minister aware that as the arrangement stands this hospital is down for closure some years ahead? Is he aware of an operation to a three-year-old child whose heart stopped beating for several minutes and who was rushed to this hospital, where a local doctor carried out an emergency operation with great skill and saved the life of this child? Had the child had to go to Macclesfield for this operation, its life would undoubtedly have been lost. Can my constituents in Congleton be assured that this hospital will continue its useful existence?

Mr. Loughlin

I realise that resuscitation needs immediate action, but the hon. Member will agree that we cannot possibly have the whole range of the medical services at hand all the time for everybody. The new district general hospital to serve Macclesfield will not be ready for several years. There will be consultation with all the people in the locality, and we shall do our best to ensure that every possible service is available for the people in this part of the country.

Mr. Wood

May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether his right hon. Friend is still firm in his intention that none of these hospitals will be closed without his personal agreement?

Mr. Loughlin

The right hon. Gentleman is aware that my right hon. Friend is reviewing the whole situation in hospitals, and there is nothing I can add to his statement in the House on 8th February.

Sir A. V. Harvey

On a point of order. I raised this matter on the Adjournment during the lifetime of the last Parliament. In view of the unsatisfactory Answer, may I be allowed to say that I shall endeavour to raise it again?