§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the high proportion of persons over 65 years of age in Bournemouth causing a need for a large hospitalisation service, she will take steps to ensure that construction of the new Bournemouth District General Hospital will begin as planned in 1977 and pay and conditions of staff will be attractive enough to ensure adequate recruitment.
§ Dr. OwenThere will be no avoidable delay in proceeding with the plans for the new district general hospital. Capital funds have been set aside for this year 49W to meet planning costs and the regional health authority expects building to start in 1977. I share the hon. Member's concern about pay and conditions of service, which are currently under review.
§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will take immediate action to improve the conditions for staff at the Douglas House Hospital, South Bourne, where the shortage of nurses has necessitated the closing of one ward.
§ Dr. OwenThere is a temporary shortage of 12 nurses, representing about one-quarter of the nursing staff complement at Douglas House Hospital. This shortage led to pressure on the remaining nursing staff while they had to cover all three floors at the hospital. By using two of the three day rooms, the area health authority has been able to close one floor, concentrating on the remaining two floors all but four of the beds from the closed floor. By this means it has ensured better supervision and nursing care and reduced pressure on the nursing staff at a cost of only four places.
§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will take steps to improve the staff situation at Boscombe Hospital, Bournemouth, since shortages have necessitated the closure of some beds and the postponement of the opening of a newly built medical ward and coronary care unit.
§ Dr. OwenAn interim capital development programme costing £1½ million has been set up to overcome the acute shortage of clinical resources in Bournemouth. This programme includes the concentration of accident and traumatic surgery at Poole General Hospital and the transfer to Christchurch Hospital of planned orthopaedic surgery, leaving Boscombe Hospital free to concentrate on general medical and surgical cases. The regional health authority is confident that these measures will begin to show results towards the end of summer.