§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many beds have not yet been brought into use at Doncaster Royal Infirmary; for how long have they been unused; and what are the reasons.
§ Sir K. JosephSixty beds have been out of use (apart from temporary use of 16 while other beds were closed) since they became ready for occupation in March-April, 1970, because the number of nursing staff available was considered insufficient by the hospital management committee. Sixteen of these beds are being brought into permanent use on 18th January. Nursing officers of my Department and of the regional hospital board will be visiting the hospital early in February to investigate its staffing needs.