§ 16. Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Board of Management for Coatbridge. Airdrie and district hospitals are prepared to provide a maternity ward at Hairmyres Hospital in view of the rapidly growing population of the new town of East Kilbride, which includes a high proportion of young married couples.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneThe need which my hon. Friend has in mind will largely be met when the new hospital at Bellshill is completed. A maternity unit at Hairmyres would involve additional building works.138W The regional hospital board is, however, considering proposals for the provision of additional beds elsewhere when its resources permit.
§ 17. Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many wards are now empty at Hairmyres Hospital.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneThree standard wards and one small ward are at present empty. These include one surgical ward awaiting redecoration and one ward which is to be adapted to provide a new dispensary.