§ 40. Mr. Croninasked the Minister of Health what plans he has for improving the hospital services available to the people of Loughborough and the adjoining areas.
§ Mr. SnowThe Sheffield Regional Hospital Board plans to provide a new hospital at Loughborough to replace the Loughborough General Hospital. Meanwhile improvements in the medical staffing are being considered.
§ Mr. CroninIs my hon. Friend aware of the great dissatisfaction felt by the people in Loughborough about the hospital service at present available? Does he realise that until two years ago there was a tolerably effective hospital service, but that now the casualty services are intermittent and acute surgical cases must make a long and dangerous journey to Leicester?
§ Mr. SnowYes, Sir. We are aware of these weaknesses in the service, but over the past years a total of £136,000 has been spent on capital works. Additional works are in hand, and there has been some upgrading of junior medical posts. This will come into effect when new flat accommodation is available. My hon. Friend has a case; the matter is being examined very urgently by the Regional Hospital Board.