§ Sir D. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the first phase of the centralised hospital for Caithness will be ready for occupation; if it will be equipped to give full medical and surgical services; and why only 25 beds will be available.
§ Mr. NobleThe sketch plans for this project are now being prepared but it is not yet possible to estimate when it will be ready for occupation. The first phase of the project will be a medical unit of 25 beds with out-patient facilities; until the remainder of the hospital is constructed surgical services will continue to be provided at the existing hospitals in Wick and Thurso. With the other commitments to hospital building in the Highlands it is not possible to do more in the first phase.