§ 7. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Health what arrangements he has made in cases of emergency, such as the railway disaster at Harrow, to draft doctors with specialised experience in traumatic surgery to hospitals in the immediate vicinity, so that the best known treatment may become available to sufferers.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI am sure that the hon. Member will agree that the medical aid rendered in this disaster was prompt and efficient. The general surgeons at the hospitals concerned, though not specialists, are experienced in traumatic work. Further help of this nature was offered but not required. The tragedy will be closely studied to see what lessons can be learnt from it.
§ Mr. HastingsDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that traumatic surgery is a speciality of its own? As an instance of that, there are several accident hospitals. Is it not of the greatest importance that people who suffer unexpectedly in this way should in all cases have the very best treatment?
§ Mr. MacleodYes, Sir; I have great sympathy with the hon. Gentleman's point of view, but I did say in my answer that such skilled specialist help was offered and in this case was not required. 1239 We shall certainly see if there are any lessons that we can learn from this disaster.