asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the overcrowded and unsatisfactory conditions in many hospital out-patients departments; and the steps he intends taking towards improving the situation.
Written Answers. - Hospital Out-Patient Departments.
341.
I am aware that there is a need to improve the out-patient departments in a number of hospitals.
Some projects for the extension and improvement of such departments are proceeding this year and others will fall to be considered in conjunction with the capital programme for 1978.
I have recently arranged to set up a small group representing my Department, health boards and the voluntary hospitals to consider how best patients can be adequately informed of the services and facilities available to them in the hospital where they are being treated and how the arrangements for the reception of out-patients can be improved.