HC Deb 29 June 1926 vol 197 cc975-6
30. Colonel DAY

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the fact that further deaths have occurred from puerperal septicæmia following childbirth in the Kingston Nursing Association's Home, which makes a total of eight deaths from this cause during the last six months, and the criticisms made by the Kingston coroner on the conditions existing at this home, he can now state whether he is in a position to give further information to the House on the Report that has been made on this home by one of his medical officers?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)

My right hon. Friend has now considered this Report and regrets to say that it indicates that there has been grave laxity in the administration of this home and of the district midwifery practice associated with it. He is about to address a communication to tie nursing association dealing fully with the facts elicited by the inquiry, and he proposes to send a copy of the communication to the county council and the Kingston Town Council. My right hon. Friend will he happy also to send a copy to the hon. Member and to any other hon. Member who desires it.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

Can the hon. Member use his influence with the Government to see that the Midwives and Maternity Homes Bill is given a speedy reception and carried through into law?

Sir JOSEPH NALL

Can the hon. Member say in what medical authority's area this home is situated, and whether it was inspected as a maternity home by the medical authority?

Sir K. WOOD

I think the hon. and gallant Member had better put that question on the Paper.

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

Can the hon. Member say whether the husband of the deceased woman was given an opportunity of attending the inquiry?

Sir K. WOOD

I cannot say, but I know that a very full inquiry has been made. I should be happy to send the hon. Member a copy of the correspondence, from which he will see the action which the Minister of Health proposes to take.