HC Deb 20 November 1961 vol 649 cc92-3W
30 and 32. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware that wards Dinas A and B in Glan Ely Hospital, Cardiff, were converted into use as children's wards at a cost of £5,000 eighteen months ago, that children's baths and toilets were installed, and that since these alterations took place less than a dozen children have occupied beds in this children's unit and that it is now proposed to reconvert the ward back into use by adults; whether he will arrange for this ward to remain as a children's ward; and whether he will make a statement;

(2) whether he is aware that completely modernised wards in the Glan Ely Hospital, Cardiff, are being kept empty although there is no shortage of medical, nursing or domestic staff; what proposals there are for the future use of these wards; and if he will make a statement.

Miss Pitt

Of the £3,500 spent two years ago on modernising these two wards for tuberculous patients only about £100 was on special facilities for children; one ward was then used for children but is now empty because all tuberculous patients can be accommodated in one ward. It will be available for geriatric patients in two or three weeks. No other modernised ward is empty.

Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Health what is the number of geriatric cases in Cardiff still awaiting admission to hospital; and what steps he is taking to expedite their admission to Glan Ely Hospital, Cardiff.

Miss Pitt

Eighteen. I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to him today about this hospital.