HC Deb 16 May 1980 vol 984 cc728-9W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the present position of the threatened removal by Grampian health board of 10 acute beds from the Fraserburgh hospital, which is the subject of considerable opposition from local residents and members of the medical profession in the area; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Fairgrieve

The Grampian health board is proposing at Fraserburgh hospital to redesignate 10 of the present 30 general practitioner acute beds as geriatric long-stay beds. Along with the existing 30 long-stay beds, this change would then provide a total of 40 long-stay beds at the hospital. The Health Board are continuing their discussions with the local interests.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from members of the public, local organisations, members of the medical profession, and other parties regarding the proposal of the Grampian health board to remove 10 acute beds from the Fraserburgh hospital and use them for geriatrics who are mainly from the city of Aberdeen.

Mr. Fairgrieve

None. In any event, this is primarily a matter for the health board, whose proposals are designed to provide for geriatric patients from the Fraserburgh area.