HC Deb 08 May 1967 vol 746 cc1034-5
32 and 33. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Health (1) what plans he has for the future pattern of obstetrics in North and West Devon.

(2) to what extent local general practitioner obstetricians in North and West Devon will be able to follow and deliver their own cases, in view of the proposed withdrawal of the peripheral facilities.

Mr. Snow

The main centre will be the maternity unit at the new District General Hospital at Barnstaple. The unit will contain general practitioner as well as consultant beds and when it is open consideration will be given to reallocating to other uses the maternity beds in a number of other hospitals, but the Board propose to retain existing facilities at Lynton and Bideford. Most general practitioners should, therefore, be able to continue to deliver their own patients in hospital if they wish.

Mr. Mills

Does the Parliamentary Secretary really appreciate the concern that exists in this area because of the closure of some of these small maternity units? Since he is surely not insensitive to what he has already been told by local doctors, will he now reconsider his decision?

Mr. Snow

I think that, if the hon. Gentleman examines my Answer, he will see that there are no grounds for disquiet. If a general practitioner lives within 15 to 30 minutes' travelling time of a general practitioner unit, he should be able to follow up and deliver his own cases, if he wishes to do so. Other steps have been taken regarding Torrington and Bideford, where practitioners will be able to follow up and deliver their own cases in the Grenville Nursing Home.

Dr. John Dunwoody

Would not my hon. Friend agree that in rural areas like this the general practitioner should continue to play an essential part in providing obstetric services for the community? Would he not also agree that it is Ministry policy to see that these services continue?

Mr. Snow

Yes, Sir, and I think that both answers I have given, if examined, show that we have taken these matters into account. As an indication of our sensitivity to this matter, as far as the three general practitioner beds at Linton District Cottage Hospital are concerned, as this is a more remote hospital and as people may not be able to get to Barnstaple in a severe winter, we are not proposing to close them.

Mr. Braine

Following the remarks of the hon. Member for Falmouth and Cam-borne (Dr. John Dunwoody), can the hon. Gentleman say what encouragement is being given by the Ministry to general practitioners to take post-graduate education in obstetrics on the lines of the first-class course run at St. John's Hospital, Chelmsford?

Mr. Snow

I do not think that that arises out of the main Question, but I will inquire into the matter and write to the hon. Gentleman.