HC Deb 31 May 1951 vol 488 c46W
77. Mr. Touche

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the South-West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board has refused an offer from the Jewish Blind Society to take care of a number of chronically-ill Jewish blind patients at the Jewish Home for the Blind, Rokefield, Westcott, at an all-in figure of £5 per person per week on the ground that the Board has not the money available; and if he will make special arrangements for this offer to be accepted in view of the fact that the cost to the regional board is less than the full maintenance of these patients in other hospitals.

Mr. Marquand

I regret that the Board cannot at present add to its existing contracts for beds in private institutions.

82. Commander Noble

asked the Minister of Health in view of the fact that on 31st December, 1950, there were 1,324 patients on the waiting list for chronic sick beds in National Health Service hospitals in the county of London, what arrangements he is making to provide alternative accommodation to the 60 beds no longer available in St. Luke's Hospital owing to transfer of certain wards to the Chelsea Hospital for Women for pathological laboratory work; and when will this alternative accommodation be available.

Mr. Marquand

Alternative arrangements are being considered, but I cannot make any further statement at present.