HC Deb 19 June 1893 vol 13 cc1319-20
SIR F. DIXON-HARTLAND (Middlesex, Uxbridge)

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he will explain why it is that the chief medical officer at Kensington Infirmary has not the same power vested in him as the master of the workhouse of granting occasional special visits to patients at other than visiting times;, whether he is aware that unless (or until) they are placed on the danger list inmates can be visited (as alleged by the doctor) only on Sundays from 2 till 4; and whether, if such rules are general, he will consider the desirability of altering them?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. H. H. FOWLER,) Wolverhampton, E.

I have been in communication with the Guardians of the Parish of Kensington, and I infer from their reply that the question has been suggested in connection with the circumstances of a particular case. The Guardians state that, in the case referred to, special permission had been given for visits to an inmate, but for reasons which the Guardians considered sufficient this privilege was withdrawn, and it was intimated that the Guardians saw no reason for departing in that case from the rules which they found it necessary to lay down for the maintenance of discipline and the proper administration of the Institution under their control. With regard to the ordinary rules as to visiting, I am informed that the inmates of the Infirmary may be visited every Sunday between 2 and 4 p.m., that the Medical Officer of the Infirmary has full discretion in any case in which he deems it expedient to allow visits to inmates, and that a patient who is dangerously ill may practically be visited at any time.

* SIR F. DIXON-HARTLAND

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a letter came from the authorities at the workhouse infirmary, saying it was an absolute rule that no visitors should be allowed, except in cases of great danger, on other than the days usually set apart?

MR. H. H. FOWLER

I am not aware what letter the hon. Member received. I can only tell him what the rules are, and point out that the medical officer has ample powers when patients are dangerously ill.

SIR F. DIXON-HARTLAND

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will look into the matter; I will send him the letter I received.

MR. H. H. FOWLER

Certainly.