§ Mr. Hickmetasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) by how much the resources of Scunthorpe general hospital have increased in real terms since 1979; and what the increase in the revenue budget is for the next financial year;
(2) if he will state what increases in nursing, surgical and other health care staff have taken place since 1979 in Scunthorpe general hospital; and what further increases are proposed.
§ Mr. John PattenThe information requested on Scunthorpe general hospital is not held centrally and my hon. Friend may wish to contact the chairman of Scunthorpe health authority for this information.
§ Mr. Hickmetasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what capital improvements have been made to Scunthorpe general hospital since 1979; what further improvements are taking place or are proposed; what effect it has had on patient care; and how much it has cost.
§ Mr. John PattenSince 1979 there have been a number of capital improvements to Scunthorpe general hospital amounting to £3.5 million out of a total scheme for the development of Scunthorpe general hospital, now estimated to cost some £30 million between 1983–84 and 1994–95. These improvements include an extension to the outpatient clinic, upgrading of three wards, an extension106W to the nurse training school, and upgrading of heating and mechanical services. Scunthorpe health authority has also purchased some land to enable building of the future phases of the scheme. Included in the future phases currently planned are the development of psychiatric facilities, accident and emergency department, improvement in existing bed, diagnostic and treatment facilities and replacement of some wards and operating theatres.
Responsibility for major capital schemes lies with regional health authorities. Yorkshire regional health authority has shown its continuing commitment to the development of Scunthorpe general hospital in its recently published outline strategy for development of health services in the region over the next 10 years.
§ Mr. Hickmetasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement about improvements to patient care at Scunthorpe general hospital.
§ Mr. John PattenThe table shows the advances made at Scunthorpe general hospital between 1979 and 1983 in terms of patients treated.
1979 1983 In-patients treated 14,871 16,517 Surgical operations performed 13,278 14,044 New out-patients treated 20,204 21,575 Total out-patient attendances 82,071 87,221 Day cases treated 1,241 2,431 Accident/Emergency cases treated 35,895 43,470 X-ray examinations 572,382 650,656 The further development of Scunthorpe general hospital is designed to provide improved accident and emergency service, a local mental illness service and allow the concentration of acute, geriatric and maternity services.