HC Deb 05 February 1973 vol 850 cc18-20
19. Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary or State for Wales if he will insist on an ENT consultant and a consultant paediatrician being appointed in the fairly close future to Bronglais General Hospital, Aberystwyth.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

No, Sir. The Welsh Hospital Board's plans are improving the consultancy services in these specialties for South, West and Mid-Wales and I see no reason to change them.

Mr. Hooson

The Minister may change his mind when I give him details of two recent cases, which I hope he will investigate thoroughly, concerning the lack of availability of expert opinion at Aberystwyth. The first case is that of an eight-month old boy transferred by his father, who is a doctor, at his own expense by ambulance to Carmarthen, and the second a seven-year-old boy admitted with peritonitis who died at Wrexham some time after being transferred there by his parents and a GP. Will the hon. Gentleman investigate both cases regarding the lack of expert paediatrician and ENT advice at Aberystwyth? Will he then reconsider the whole question, because most of the money available for hospital services in Wales has been spent in areas other than Mid-Wales which has been badly neglected in this regard?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

I am more than prepared to investigate both those cases carefully. I shall be glad if the hon. and learned Gentleman will get in touch with me. Regarding the general policy on paediatrics in South-West Wales, both he and I have very deep concern, but the Welsh Hospital Board's plans, which accord with the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer, provide for two consultants in each of these specialties to be based at Carmarthen. This should enable proper cover to be given for inpatients at Carmarthen while enabling improved out-patient services to be carried out at Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

Although my hon. Friend may be satisfied with the plan for West Wales, practically all local doctors are not. There is acute anxiety that deaths will occur among young children being taken from outlying parts to Carmarthen. Will he undertake to keep these plans under close review?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Yes, I certainly will.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

Does the Minister of State agree that in view of the vast area of Mid-Wales, which he knows well, which is served by the Aberystwyth hos- pital, it is gross irresponsibility on the part of the Welsh Office not to provide this vital speciality? Does he also agree that representations have been made by doctors at Aberystwyth Hospital over the years that tragedies are bound to occur unless drastic action is taken? Will he now reconsider Professor Gray's report to the Advisory Committee on Paediatric Services to the effect that it will be impossible to discharge this function unless a paediatrician is appointed at Aberystwyth Hospital?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

As I said, I have for a long time been aware of this problem. However, it is one thing to be aware of it and another to be able to fill the posts which the Welsh Hospital Board has offered. There is one permanent and one locum consultant in ENT at Carmarthen and approval has been given for the appointment of a consultant who will replace the locum. There is one consultant paediatrician in post and a further consultant is about to be appointed, which I hope will case the position.

Mr. Hooson

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the highly unsatisfactory nature of the replies on this matter, I beg leave to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.