HC Deb 28 January 1957 vol 563 cc99-100W
20. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the shortage of hospital beds under the regional hospital boards for infirm old people; and if he will take steps to secure and provide sufficient money for hospital boards and hospital beds to meet this need.

Mr. Vosper

In some areas there are shortages of beds, which are taken into account in planning the hospital building programme; but, in general, I do not think the provision of more hospital beds is the prime need for old people.

21. Captain Kerby

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that it is almost impossible to obtain admittance to hospital for the aged sick from the Chanctonbury Rural District Council area and other areas of West Sussex; and what action he proposes taking to rectify this state of affairs which led recently to the deaths of two old ladies, aged 97 and 84 years, living together but otherwise alone, at Steyning.

Mr. Vosper

I am aware of the needs in this area, and as my hon. and gallant Friend knows I am making inquiries into the particular case he mentions. Steps are being taken to convert two wards at the Swandean Isolation Hospital to provide an additional 50 beds for chronic sick patients. The necessary works will be completed in a few weeks' time.

Captain Kerby

asked the Minister of Health to take steps immediately to set up machinery, both as a temporary expedient and as a permanent measure, to remedy the existing state of affairs in which it is almost impossible to obtain admittance to hospital in West Sussex of the aged sick; and if he will consider reintroducing personal responsibility and powers, such as were laid on the relieving officer in the days of the Poor Law, before the introduction of the welfare state and the National Health Service.

Mr. Vosper

On the first part of this Question I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave him today to another Question on the same subject; on the second part, I am not satisfied that difficulties of this kind can be met by the method he suggests.