§ 47. Dame Irene Wardasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action is being taken in 1970–71 to relieve the overcrowding at St. George's Hospital at Morpeth.
§ Mr. CrossmanFollowing the opening of a new 40-bed unit last year and a 36-bed prefabricated unit currently under construction, some 76 beds are to be removed from the older wards as part of an upgrading programme. 75 new geriatric beds which the Board hopes to open at other hosiptals in the current year and a further 30 being planned will also contribute to relief of overcrowding at St. George's.