§ 27. Mr. James Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for expanding or rebuilding the Kirklands Hospital, Bothwell; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MillanThe Western Regional Hospital Board accepts the need for replacement of this hospital and is considering where and when this should take place. Replacement, however, will not be possible for a number of years yet.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs my hon. Friend aware that this is one of the oldest hospitals in Scotland? Is he further aware that the staff are performing a magnificent job under very difficult circumstances? As this hospital is already overcrowded and there is a large waiting list, will my hon. Friend have words with the regional hospital board with a view to speeding up its rebuilding?
Mr. MilianI agree that this hospital is unsatisfactory and overcrowded, but I am not able yet to say when the rebuilding of it can take place. Questions of priority are, in the first place, for the regional hospital board, but certainly this is one of the hospitals that it has very much in mind in determining priorities.