§ 10. Sir J. Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimates he has made of the number of geriatric beds likely to be needed in Scottish hospitals in 1970.
Mr. MilianThe information on which current planning is based suggests that between 9,000 and 9,500 beds for geriatric assessment and long-stay geriatric patients will be needed in Scottish hospitals in 1970.
§ Sir J. GilmourIs the Minister aware that there is a pressing need to increase the number of geriatric beds? In my constituency it is almost impossible to get an elderly person a bed.
§ Mr. MillanI know that there are parts of the country where there are difficulties, and that they include Fife, but about 100 additional geriatric beds will be brought into use in Fife this year on the completion of work at the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, the Milesmark Hospital and the Northern Hospital, Dunfermline, and the Cameron Hospital. Further projects are coming along in the years beyond that.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIn view of the need for geriatric beds in Scotland, will 1696 the Minister give an assurance that he will not close down hospitals similar to Glenafton?