§ 19. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Welsh Hospital Board concerning the development programme at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Monmouthshire; what was the outcome; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answers given to him on 1st March. My Department has regular discussions with the Welsh Hospital Board about its development programme for the Royal Gwent and other hospitals in Wales.—[Vol. 802, c. 1204.]
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Minister of State think that he is treating this matter in a rather dilatory fashion, particularly as consultants have indicated that they are taking calculated risks in sending patients home before they are properly fit, and that certain general practitioner emergency cases cannot be admitted at all because of shortage of beds? Does he want a major tragedy at this hospital before he takes any urgent action?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI have not been dilatory, and I fully realise the problem. I assure the hon. Gentleman that my Department is in very frequent touch with the Welsh Hospital Board on this matter.