§ Mr. Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is (a) the number of geriatric patients in West Dunbartonshire on the waiting list for a hospital bed, (b) the average time a patient has to wait before being accommodated, and (c) the number of new beds planned, and when they are likely to become available.
§ Mr. William RossThere are 68 geriatric patients on the waiting list—62 female and six male. It is not possible to state an average waiting time; when a general practitioner considers that admission is urgently needed it can be arranged within two to three weeks. 96 new geriatric beds are due to come into use by about February 1976 at the Vale of Leven Hospital and 30 beds are planned for the Victoria Infirmary, Helensburgh; these will replace existing facilities.