§ 64. Lord NINIAN CRICHTON-STUARTasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether complaints are being made as to the daily routine, the quality of the food, the small amount of food provided for each patient, and the general treat- 1830 ment of patients at the Udal Torre sanatorium in Devonshire; whether this is as contemplated by the Government under the National Insurance Act; and whether he will cause an immediate inquiry to be opened into the matter?
§ Mr. MASTERMANOn learning that certain insured persons in Wales who had been accommodated in the sanatorium referred to had complained as to their treatment, the Welsh Commissioners made an immediate investigation. The medical officer of the commission has visited the institution and interviewed all the thirty-one patients still under treatment, and after full inquiry the Commissioners are satisfied that the complaints are devoid of substance. It appears that certain of the patients disliked the discipline and regular routine which in the patients' own interests are essential as part of curative treatment in a sanatorium, and in some cases experienced some preliminary discomfort through being previously unaccustomed to open-air life. The Commissioners are satisfied that neither the complaints as to routine nor those as to the quality or quantity of food are justified. With regard to the latter they understand that the patients have increased in weight during their stay in the sanatorium. I may add that a number of patients on hearing that certain complaints had been made volunteered the statement that they had no similar complaints, and that in their opinion everything possible was being done for their benefit.