HC Deb 27 January 1969 vol 776 cc221-2W
76. Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what representation he has received concerning improvements to bed bureaux in the Manchester area; and what action is being taken to avoid failure to secure admission and delay in dealing with urgent surgical and medical cases;

(2) if he will investigate the difficulties of general practitioners in the Manchester area in obtaining admission to hospital for their patients; and if he will consider the proposal of the local medical committee for the establishment of a Central Bed Bureau under the supervision of a qualified general practitioner.

Mr. Ennals

Two of my hon. Friends have written to me and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State about this; I have received no other representations. The Manchester local medical committee has asked the regional hospital board again to consider with them the establishment of a central bed bureau for Manchester and the board has agreed to discussions between representatives of both bodies.

77. Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action is being taken to remedy the acute shortage of gynaecological and maternity beds in the Manchester area.

Mr. Ennals

Fourteen additional gynaecological and 58 additional maternity beds will be provided when the new St. Mary's Maternity Hospital comes into use towards the end of the year. Another 10 to 12 gynaecological beds will come into use at Wythenshawe Hospital about the same time.