HC Deb 12 May 1975 vol 892 cc56-8W
Mr. Fairbairn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what considerations were taken into account in reaching the decision to move the ophthalmology unit from Bridge of Earn Hospital to Nine-wells Hospital, Dundee.

Mr. William Ross

The most effective arrangements for providing routine and emergency services for all patients in the area who require ophthalmological care, the best use of staffing and financial resources and the implications for visitors were all taken fully into account.

Mr. Fairbairn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals there are for the transport of relatives of patients who are in the eye hospital at Bridge of Earn.

Mr. William Ross

Arrangements for the transport of patients' relatives are not the responsibility of the health service, but the public transport facilities which are available between Perth and Dundee were taken into consideration.

Mr. Fairbairn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals there are relating to the staff of the hospital at Bridge of Earn.

Mr. William Ross

There are no proposals affecting the staff at Bridge of Earn generally. Medical staff at present employed in the ophthalmology unit at Bridge of Earn will be redeployed within the area ophthalmology service. Nursing staff in the unit have the option of transferring to Ninewells Hospital, to other units in Bridge of Earn Hospital or to hospitals in Perth.

Mr. Fairbairn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals there are for the units at Bridge of Earn Hospital not affected by the decision to move the ophthalmology unit.

Mr. William Ross

The orthopaedic services at present provided at Bridge of Earn for Dundee patients and the plastic surgery unit will be transferred to Dundee Royal Infirmary when the facilities there have been upgraded. The Tayside Health Board has considered whether in-patient ENT services at Bridge of Earn Hospital should be transferred to Ninewells Hospital but no decision has been taken.

Mr. Fairbairn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he received from the Tayside Health Board urging him to transfer the ophthalmology unit to Ninewells Hospital.

Mr. William Ross

The Tayside Health Board decided that the transfer should take place, but changes of this kind require my approval and the board sought this in the usual way setting out all the relevant considerations.

Mr. Fairbairn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many members of the public, or of the medical profession, were in favour of the transfer to Nine-wells and how many were against it; and if he will list all the authorities and the number of members of the public who urged him not to move the eye unit to Ninewells Hospital.

Mr. William Ross

It is not known how many members of the public or of the medical profession were in favour or against transferring the ophthalmology unit to Ninewells Hospital. Representations against the move were received from 28 individuals and two petitions containing about 7,000 and 100 signatures were presented. The following bodies also made representations:

  • Perth Town Council.
  • Highland District Council.
  • National Farmers' Union of Scotland.
  • Kinross Town Council.
  • Perthshire Chamber of Commerce.
  • Tayside Regional Council.
  • Aberfeldy Town Council.
  • Perth and Kinross District Council.
  • Perth District Council.
  • Perthshire and Kinross-shire Federation of Scottish Women's Rural Institutes.
  • Perth and District Branch of the Electrical Association for Women.
  • Perth and Kinross-shire Society for the Blind.
  • Perth District Medical Committee.
  • Perth 41 Club.
  • Muthill Over 60 Club.
  • North West Perthshire Group of General Practitioners.
  • Crieff South and Monzievaird Church Women's Guild.
  • Scottish General Medical Services Committee of the British Medical Association.
  • Confederation of Health Service Employees.