HC Deb 21 April 1975 vol 890 cc237-8W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the nuclear diagnostic equipment at the Brook Hospital, Woolwich, was originally ordered; by whom and at what estimated cost; when it was actually installed; what have been the total actual costs to date including purchase, installation and staff salaries; what have been the main reasons for the failure to bring the equipment into use; and when it is now anticipated that the equipment will be fully operative.

Dr. Owen

The equipment was ordered in January 1973 by the Woolwich Hospital Management Committee at an estimated cost of £70,000; it was installed in April 1973; the actual total costs to date have been £80,000 The main reasons for not bringing the equipment into use are difficulties in medical staffing and teething problems with the equipment. An additional consultant is now being appointed and it is hoped that the equipment will be fully operative within the next few months.