HC Deb 02 December 1970 vol 807 c376W
44. Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many wards, treating what particular kinds of patients, have been closed in hospitals in Aberdeen over the last five years; how many beds this represents; and what measures he intends to take to reverse this trend.

Mr. Edward Taylor

One ward of the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary was closed in September, 1969 owing to a shortage of nursing staff. This ward of 29 beds normally accommodated genito-urinary patients and 26 beds were made available for this specialty elsewhere in the hospital while it was closed. The regional board has mounted a successful recruitment campaign for nurses, and the ward has been re-opened.