HC Deb 18 December 1919 vol 123 cc703-4W
Mr. GWYNNE

asked the Minister of Health if he will state what sanatorium accommodation at present exists in the county of East Sussex for tuberculosis cases, and if he will state the number of beds available for discharged soldiers, insured persons, and non-insured persons?

Dr. ADDISON

There are six approved sanatoria in the county of East Sussex, including the county boroughs of Brighton, Eastbourne, and Hastings. These sanatoria contain accommodation in all for 248 patients-—46 men, and 102 women and children. The 146 beds are all available for discharged soldiers and for insured and non-insured men; and the 102 beds for insured and non-insured women and for children.

Mr. GWYNNE

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, owing to the lack of sanatorium accommodation for tuberculosis cases in the county of East Sussex, discharged soldiers and others are unable to get treatment, even in urgent cases; and what steps his Department is taking to remedy this state of affairs?

Dr. ADDISON

I am aware that there is need for further accommodation for the treatment of tuberculosis in East Sussex, and I have recently approved the purchase by the county council of a site and buildings with a view to the provision of a new sanatorium of 120 beds. The returns received by my Department do not show that discharged soldiers and others in the county who are urgently in need of treatment are unable to obtain it. On the first of this month, twenty-nine discharged soldiers and other insured persons were in sanatoria, and thirteen persons, including only two discharged soldiers, were awaiting treatment.