HC Deb 31 May 1965 vol 713 cc1157-8
31. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Minister of Health what plans he has for further day hospitals, similar to that at Cambridge, for dealing with geriatric cases.

Mr. Loughlin

Fifty-six geriatric day hospitals or units are now in existence. The provision in existing programmes for additional hospitals and units will be reviewed in the course of the current review of the hospital building programme.

Mr. Ridsdale

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we regard the Government as being very slow in giving encouragement to this idea? Is it not an economical way of using our scarce capital resources in the best fashion, by encouraging people to stay in their own homes as long as possible, relieving the burden on the general hospital service for acute cases?

Mr. Loughlin

I agree that we have been slothful, possibly, in the last six months. I wonder what the hon. Gentleman thinks his colleagues were.