HC Deb 13 April 1978 vol 947 cc502-3W
Mr. Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what his policy is with regard to the setting up of hospices for the terminal care of patients within the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Harry Ewing

It is for health boards to decide, within their available resources, how best to provide facilities for the terminal care of patients within the National Health Service, subject to the general guidance on priorities in the 1976 White Paper "The Health Service in Scotland: The Way Ahead".

For such patients, boards may use their own accommodation, including in certain areas special units; or they may make contractual arrangements with the voluntary organisations which are active in this sector.

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