§ 13. Mr. Gourlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for improving the provision of geriatric beds in the Kirkcaldy area.
§ Mr. MonroThe programme of major hospital building projects to start after March, 1972, includes schemes for the provision of geriatric beds in Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes.
§ Mr. GourlayIs the Minister aware that that is a most disappointing and complacent reply? Is he further aware that in three months of this year Fife doctors made special requests for geriatric services on behalf of 270 acute cases and that of that number 132 were admitted to hospital and 43 elderly patients died before admission could be effected? Will not these figures force the Government to take action in order to alleviate the suffering and hardships of the old people in Fife?
§ Mr. MonroI assure the hon. Gentleman that I do consider this an urgent matter, and that is why the three schemes I have spoken about are in the programme.
§ Mr. GourlayBut can the hon. Gentleman say in which years these projects will be effective?
§ Mr. MonroThe Dunfermline scheme is in Band II and it should start fairly shortly, in the year 1973–74. The other two schemes are in Bands III and IV.