§ Mr. Randallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state, separately, the number of matrons, staff nurses and nurses at present employed in the Gateshead and District hospitals, the actual establishment figure, and the figures of nurse-patient ratio of actual staff employed.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyThe figures as at 23rd February, 1970, are as follows:
(2) what amendments were made by his Department to the original plans for a new maternity wing to Victoria Hospital, Blackpool, and in particular to the number of beds to be provided.
§ Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the present position with regard to the plans submitted to him for a new maternity wing for Victoria Hospital, Blackpool; and what requests he has made for further reduction in the amenities to be provided;
(2) what was the estimated cost of the first scheme submitted to him for a new maternity wing for Victoria Hospital, Blackpool; and what is the estimated cost of any scheme now being considered by him.
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§ Dr. John DunwoodyPlanning for a new maternity unit at Victoria Hospital, Blackpool is in an advanced state and building is expected to start in the forthcoming financial year. The unit will contain 120 beds, a reduction of 22 from the earlier proposals made in 1963, as a result of a re-assessment of need by Manchester Regional Hospital Board. Cost is currently estimated at £1.151 million—including residential accommodation—but the board has been asked to consider whether it can be reduced. No comparable figure can be given for the earlier proposals because of their provisional nature.