74. Captain FABERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, at the Gibcrack sanatorium at East Harringfield, Chelmsford, it has been the custom to send patients back to their own homes when they are beyond recovery; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter so that disease may not be spread by the practice?
§ Mr. W. BENNThe treatment appropriate for a case of tuberculosis varies according to the condition of the 557 patient; and it is not desirable that a patient should be retained in an institution which is intended to provide treatment other than that required in that particular case. Under the arrangements made by insurance committees, however, other forms of treatment are available for insured persons discharged from institutions.
Captain FABERIs it not more desirable that these patients should stay in the hospital to die than that they should go outside to die?
§ Mr. BENNIt is unfortunately necessary and desirable in the case of persons in that extreme condition to return them to their own homes, and frequently they desire that it should be so.
§ Mr. BENNI think these cases must be considered according to the nature of the case, and the desire of the patient and his relatives and friends.