HC Deb 14 November 1927 vol 210 cc633-4
74. Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Health the average cost of maintenance of sick patients within the Central Home of the West Ham Union?

Sir K. WOOD

The expenditure in respect of sick patients of the Central Home of the West Ham Union is not separately distinguished in the returns made to my right hon. Friend's Depart- ment. The average weekly expenditure per inmate of that institution for the year ended 31st March, 1927, was 31s. 0½d.

75. Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Health the average cost of maintenance of the patients at the Whipps Cross hospital of the West Ham Union?

Sir K. WOOD

In the returns made to my right hon. Friend's Department, the expenditure in respect of the Whipps Cross Hospital is not shown separately from that in respect of the Forest House and Forest House Cottages of the West Ham Union. The average weekly expenditure per inmate of this group of institutions for the year ended 31st March, 1927, was 45s. 10½d.

76. Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister I of Health whether he is aware that, owing to the pressure upon the ordinary , voluntary hospitals of the East End of London and their restriction of accommodation, there has been an increase in the number of patients sent by medical men to the Whipps Cross hospital of the West Ham Union; that these persons generally are working people who would not like normally to seek parish help, and that if they had been received into the ordinary hospital they would have been asked what they could afford to subscribe; that the West Ham Guardians make a detailed and heavy charge upon the whole of the members of the family of the inmate; and whether he will consider making such changes in medical treatment charges in such institutions that sick persons are only asked to subscribe similar sums to those charged by the local voluntary hospitals?

Sir K. WOOD

It is the duty of a board of guardians to take all reasonable steps for the recovery of the cost of any relief which they may afford to sick or other persons, and they could not lawfully adopt a system of small fixed charges or limit their purview in deciding upon such cases in the manner which the question suggests is adopted by the authorities of voluntary hospitals?

Mr. GROVES

Is it the hon. Gentleman's opinion that taking almost all the income of a patient is a reasonable contribution?

Sir K. WOOD

I should like to have notice of that question.