§ Mr. Braineasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he 478W has now taken on the North-East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board's proposals for more adequate provision of geriatric beds in South-East Essex and Southend-on-Sea; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyRegional hospital boards have recently received their planning figures for the hospital capital programme for 1970–71 and have been asked to submit revised estimates and programmes. As my right hon. Friend said in his reply to the hon. Member on 7th July he will be paying particular attention to geriatric services in this area in examining the Board's building programme. The Board is about to advertise for two consultants to take charge of the geriatric services in the area covered by the South Essex and Brentwood Hospital Groups, thus permitting a more flexible use of beds.—[Vol. 786, c.175–6.]