HC Deb 24 June 1942 vol 380 c1958
25. Rear-Admiral Beamish

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what arrangements have been in force and are now in prospect for the treatment in hospital or otherwise of members of the Women's Royal Naval Service at home ports and elsewhere in order to prevent cases of various types of infectious diseases, such as infantile paralysis, measles, &c., being treated in the same ward and sometimes in neighbouring beds?

Captain Pilkington

Members of the W.R.N.S. are entitled to the same medical treatment as other naval personnel. When a member of the W.R.N.S. is diagnosed as suffering from an infectious disease, she is admitted for treatment to the zymotic department of a naval hospital or sick quarters, where cases of different infectious diseases are segregated from one another in separate wards or cubicles. If suitable accommodation were not available at a naval hospital or sick quarters, she would be transferred to an Emergency Service hospital or isolation hospital.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

Is it not a fact that there have been instances recently of people suffering from various types of infectious disease being placed in beds alongside other beds?

Captain Pilkington

I do not think so, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars of any case I will inquire into it.

Sir Francis Fremantle

Cannot something be done to increase the accommodation which is required for the observation of these cases, because it was omitted when the hospitals were first built?

Captain Pilkington

I will consider that.