HC Deb 26 May 1965 vol 713 c595
18. Mr. Buchan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many hospital beds are available for confinements in Renfrewshire; and what percentage of first and second confinements have taken place in hospital during the last 12 months in Renfrewshire.

Mrs. Hart

Some of the population of Renfrewshire looks to Glasgow hospitals for maternity services: 161 beds are available within the county.

Seventy-four per cent. of all births to Renfrewshire mothers in 1964 took place in hospitals and nursing homes. The figures for first and second confinements are not returned separately.

Mr. Buchan

I thank my hon. Friend for her reply. Would she keep in mind that at least one part of the constituency, the area of Johnstone and Linwood, is a growth area taking in the Glasgow overspill problem? Would not there be a case for giving exceptional attention to this area and trying to increase the maternity facilities there?

Mrs. Hart

The regional board already has plans for an increase in the number of maternity beds in the county in order to accommodate the number needed to reach the Montgomery standard of 75 per cent. hospital confinements. Work is planned to start in 1967 on a new 100 bed maternity unit at Paisley. Other steps are being taken to increase the number of beds in the county.