§ 24. Mr. Gowerasked the Secretary of State for Wales to what extent he will make special arrangements, in cases in- 20 volving the need for long or fairly long periods of treatment in hospital, for patients resident at Barry, Rhoose, Sully, Dinas Powis, and Wenvoe, or in adjoining areas of South-East Glamorgan, to ensure that such patients may be in hospitals reasonably near their homes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattIn planning the services for these areas, the Welsh Hospital Board is taking full account of the principle that long-stay patients should be in hospitals as near as possible to their homes.
§ Mr. GowerI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Does he recognise that the concentration of surgery for consultants in district general hospitals, such as the new university hospital at the Heath, Cardiff, has created new social problems, particularly for relatives and next-of-kin, and will he persuade or influence the Welsh Hospital Board to reappraise the whole situation?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattDiscussions on this very matter are continuing at the moment between officers of the Welsh Hospital Board and the local general practitioners.