HC Deb 05 April 1989 vol 150 cc177-8
3. Mr. McAvoy

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the building of the geriatric unit at Ruthrglen will start; and how long it is expected take.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Michael Forsyth)

This project has been held in abeyance by Greater Glasgow health board pending the outcome of its current strategy review of services for the elderly. I understand that the review is due to be completed within two months. Thereafter it will be considered by the board's policy and planning committee before a consultative document is issued.

Mr. McAvoy

I thank the Minister for his answer. He will recall that some time ago he gave me an assurance that the health board had said that it expected the review to be completed by spring this year. The Minister has now announced that the health board intends to delay for a further two months. Will he ensure that the health board completes the review and starts the process of building the unit in Rutherglen? The Minister understands the circumstances and appreciates the fact that all those living in Cambuslang and half of Rutherglen within my constituency have to go to Lanarkshire health board for geriatric services. That is intolerable and there should be no delay in attacking such circumstances.

Mr. Forsyth

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that the position in his constituency is unacceptable. He has a reasonable basis for complaint about the delays experienced and I am happy to give the undertaking that he seeks.

Mr. Foulkes

Does the Minister agree that an extra reason for pressing ahead with the geriatric unit in Rutherglen is to reduce the unplanned growth of nursing homes in Ayrshire? Is he aware that that is resulting in the migration of elderly people to those nursing homes and is contrary to all the best policy put forward by the Health Service, Age Concern and other organisations which believe that old people should be cared for in institutions, sheltered housing and other such facilities near their own homes? The unplanned growth of nursing homes in Ayrshire means that many buildings which were previously hotels are being—[HON. MEMBERS: "Give way."] There seems to be some barracking. I am having trouble with my own side.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will try not to have any trouble with me and will be brief, please.

Mr. Foulkes

I will do my best, Mr. Speaker. Many of the buildings were previously hotels. That is undermining the position of the tourist industry in Ayrshire and we are ending up—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman has had a jolly good go.

Mr. Foulkes

We are ending up with a Costa Geriatrica which is wholly unwanted in our county.

Mr. Forsyth

I do not share the hon. Gentleman's prejudice against private nursing homes. They are able to attract people to Ayrshire because that is where people want to go. Conservative Members believe that facilities should reflect the priorities of patients, not of planners. In reply to the hon. Gentleman's recommendation about matters in Rutherglen, I must say that if the private sector is able to play a role in meeting needs there, I would be the first to welcome that.