HC Deb 09 October 1940 vol 365 c362
18. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Health, whether he will immediately institute a series of rest homes or centres of recuperation in large country houses to which can be sent those nervously affected by air-raids and similar strain; and whether he will co-ordinate the activities of local authorities to this end.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Horsbrugh)

Arrangements have been made under the Emergency Hospital Scheme for the treatment of cases of neurosis requiring inpatient treatment in hospitals situated for the most part in rural areas, and for the treatment of milder cases at out-patient clinics near their homes. Local authorities are kept in touch with these arrangements through their medical officers of health.

Mr. Sorensen

Are some steps being taken to co-ordinate local authorities? Is not the hon. Lady aware that in some cases patients do not receive treatment because there does not happen to be suitable institutions in their areas?

Miss Horsbrugh

If my hon. Friend will look at the last sentence of the reply, he will see that through the Ministry of Health a communication is being sent to the medical officers of the various local authorities.