HC Deb 01 August 1946 vol 426 cc1198-9
28. Mr. Thomas Brooks

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will state the progress made in plastic surgery at the Roehampton Hospital, where many of our ex-Servicemen who were unrecognisable have had their faces and heads built up again from photographs by surgical and nursing skill; and if he will make a statement offering some appreciation of the services rendered by these doctors and nurses, also the research work in the laboratories at this hospital.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

The Plastic Surgery and Jaw Unit at Roehampton Hospital was enlarged in 1939, to deal with Service cases and air raid casualties arising out of the 1939 World War. Considerable advances have been made, the most important of which are the insertion of special material, known as Tantalum, for the restoration of facial contours, the fixation of skin grafts by specialised methods, the making of skin flaps for amputation stumps, the treatment of chronic disease of bone and the development of a highly specialised physiotherapy service. Cooperation with the Orthopædic Unit and Dental Department has been developed on a large scale, and an excellent photographic Department capable of producing technical cine-films has been built up.

As regards research in the laboratories, I might make special mention of the investigations into the conditions influencing the healing of war wounds and the development of scar tissue, and also of the considerable amount of work in relation to the origin of tropical diseases, with particular reference to sprue. I am grateful to the hon. Member for the opportunity afforded to me to express appreciation of the invaluable work done by the medical and dental officers, nurses and other staff in the care of the patients in this hospital.

Mr. Brooks

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this will give a good deal of pleasure to families in this country? May I draw the Minister's attention to the fact that hon. Members of this House and the general public ought to know that the days of miracles are not over? These people are doing a great work. We have still a great number of Florence Nightingales, and yet not a word of appreciation is given to these people behind the scenes.