§ 20. Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in response to the continuing widespread opposition in South Angus to the Tayside Health Board's proposals to alter the status and function of Arbroath Infirmary, he will make a 537W statement on his reasons for agreeing to these Tayside Health Board proposals.
§ Mr. Harry EwingBefore agreeing in principle with Tayside Health Board's ultimate aim to withdraw specialist in-patient services from Arbroath Infirmary, my right hon. Friend took account of all the representations which have been made. The over-riding consideration is that specialist in-patient services should be provided in hospitals where a full range of trained staff and supporting services for the basic specialties and 24-hour cover by doctors are available. The investment of resources on this scale cannot be justified in hospitals of the size of Arbroath Infirmary.