HC Deb 19 July 1960 vol 627 cc39-40W
Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Health (1) what departments will be accommodated in each building phase of the proposed new area hospital for West Cornwall; and how many beds will be provided in each department;

(2) whether work has yet commenced on the detailed working plans of the proposed new area hospital for West Cornwall;

(3) in how many phases the proposed new area hospital for West Cornwall is to be built; and whether each subsequent phase will follow immediately on its predecessor.

Miss Pitt

The following departments, namely general surgery, general medicine and gynaecology, with the necessary diagnostic and treatment services, are planned for the first phase on which the preparation of working drawings is proceeding. These will provide 90, 60 and 30 beds, respectively. A maternity department of 80 beds is proposed for the second phase, and provision will ultimately be made for ear, nose and throat, paediatric and psychiatric departments. These will provide 24, 24 and 40 beds respectively. A further 20 beds will be added for private and amenity beds and for sick nurses.

It is not yet decided whether building will be completed in two or three phases but it is hoped that these will be consecutive.

Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Health (1) what acreage of land has been bought for the proposed new area hospital for West Cornwall; and whether it will be adequate for all phases of the building programme;

(2) whether land has yet been bought for the car park of the proposed new area hospital for West Cornwall; what acreage is needed; and how many cars will be accommodated.

Miss Pitt

12.79 acres of land have been acquired. The South Western Regional Hospital Board considers that this will be adequate for the buildings, but is negotiating for the purchase of a further 1.39 acres, to provide a park for 175 cars.

Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Health whether the starting date for building the proposed new area hospital for West Cornwall will be retarded by the Government's announcement of a limitation on capital expenditure in 1961–62 by Government Departments.

Miss Pitt

I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. and learned Friend's reply on 11th July to the hon. Members for St. Pancras, North (Mr. K. Robinson) and Stockton-on-Tees (Mr. Chetwynd).