§ 19. Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will, as a matter of urgency, extend the services provided by the Bangor Hospital.
§ Mr. MoyleNo, Sir. It is Government policy to concentrate hospital specialist services in major centres so as to make the best possible use of manpower, equipment and finance. Perhaps to anticipate the hon. Gentleman I would add that full emergency and accident services are available at the Ards Hospital.
§ Mr. KilfedderI am not satisfied with that reply. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that Bangor is an area of high-density population, with a big percentage of elderly people, and that for those who have a heart attack or an accident in the streets there is no casualty department in the Bangor hospital, and no resident doctor there? Is that not a disgrace? Will the Minister take action to remedy this grave situation?
§ Mr. MoyleI visited the Bangor Hospital only a few days ago and found it very cheerful, happy and efficient for the 616 rôle that it undertakes. Accident facilities are available at the Ards Hospital, only six miles away, and at the Ulster Hospital, only 11 miles away. I may have an opportunity to reconsider the position when the working party reports on the Bangor hospital and the facilities in the North Down area, but I am not persuaded of the hon. Gentleman's point of view.
§ Mr. KilfedderOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker, I beg to give notice that in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I intend to seek leave to raise the matter on the Adjournment?