HC Deb 06 June 1957 vol 571 cc151-2W
Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the closure of the operating theatre in the North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary is causing pressure upon the other hospitals in Stoke-on-Trent and that both patients and medical staff are inconvenienced; and when the new theatre will be completed.

Mr. Vosper

I am aware of the difficulties which have unfortunately resulted from the closure of these theatres. The Regional Board has arranged for beds to be available in another hospital for certain surgical cases, and for extra operating sessions at two further hospitals. It proposes to provide a temporary operating theatre at the Royal Infirmary as soon as possible, and hopes to be able to provide a new permanent twin-theatre suite within two years.

Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health the number of cases in Stoke-on-Trent awaiting operation at the latest available date and the number awaiting operation six months ago.

Mr. Vosper

These figures are not available, but the number of patients awaiting admission for surgical specialties to hospitals administered by the Stoke-on-Trent Hospital Management Committee at 30th April, 1957, was 4,089 and at 31st December, 1956, was 4,205.

Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Health if he will have a survey made of the hospital facilities provided in the City of Stoke-on-Trent, for the population of 274,000 which includes industrial workers who are subject to accidents and industrial diseases, and is the centre of a population of 400,000 people; if he will have the hospital facilities compared with other similar areas, in regard to the allocation allowed for capital and maintenance, particularly as regards the Birmingham Hospital Board; and if he will have a copy of the report circulated to all representative people in the City of Stoke-on-Trent.

Mr. Vosper

I am not satisfied that action of this kind is required. The Birmingham Regional Hospital Board is fully informed of the needs of the hospital services in its area and is the body best qualified to assess priorities between one part of it and another.