HC Deb 30 June 1976 vol 914 cc379-80
13. Mr. Buchanan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now make a statement on the future of Robroyston Hospital.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Harry Ewing)

In the light of consultations with the various interested bodies, the Greater Glasgow Health Board has reaffirmed its earlier recommendation that the hospital should be closed. The matter is now under consideration, and I shall let my hon. Friend know the outcome as soon as possible.

Mr. Buchanan

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is a calamitous decision on the part of the Greater Glasgow Health Board, which has not been famed for the brilliance and foresight of its decisions in the past? Does he realise that Eastern District Hospital and Foresthall Hospital are on the scrapping list, that Stobhill Hospital is full, and that the closure of Robroyston would be a grave blow to the people and patients in that area?

Mr. Ewing

It is important that my hon. Friend should recognise the very serious difficulties surrounding Robroyston Hospital, with the breakdown of the main sewer system and the fantastic cost of repairing that system. We have taken into account all the points made by my hon. Friend in his supplementary question. I assure him that when I make a decision on this matter all these points will be for consideration.

Mr. Craigen

What consideration did my hon. Friend give to the points in the Ruchill Hospital inquiry report about the very substantial build-up that will occur in the demand for geriatric provision in the north of the city? What guidance has his Department given to the area health board about consultations with the staff involved in the hospital?

Mr. Ewing

As in all parts of Scotland, I think that there will be a build-up in the demand for geriatric facilities, but my hon. Friend should appreciate that this area of Glasgow has 25 per cent. of all geriatric places available at present, so it is not under-provided for. Our present consultations with the staff will continue before I finally make a decision on this matter.