§ 31. Mr. Hargreavesasked the Minister of Health why no ambulance or other care was provided for Mr. Maw on his discharge on 22nd September, 1952, from Lambeth Hospital to face a journey to Carlisle, though he was suffering from partial paralysis, incontinence and bedsores; and if he will call for a full inquiry, in view of the death of Mr. Maw one week later.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodFull inquiries have already been made into this case. I am advised that there is no medical evidence to suggest that Mr. Maw's death was in any way connected with his journey from London to Carlisle, and it does not appear to me that a further inquiry would serve any useful purpose.
§ Mr. HargreavesIs the Minister aware that after six months' correspondence I have failed to receive replies to the following questions? Can he say why the 1495 man was discharged; why no nursing care was available to him for a 300-mile journey; why no transport nor ambulance was made available for him to convey him from Lambeth Hospital to Euston and from Euston to Carlisle? Can the Minister answer those questions; and will he please indicate if he is making a further inquiry into this obviously distressing and unsatisfactory case?
§ Mr. MacleodI quite agree with the comments of the hon. Member. I think this a most distressing and unsatisfactory case. But I have taken medical evidence both from Lambeth and Carlisle, and I am advised this is the medical opinion—that the journey had nothing to do with Mr. Maw's death. I fully agree with the hon. Member that there were serious errors of judgment by the hospital, for example, in reserving only seats and not a whole compartment for the journey. I have made my views about this matter known to the hospital, and I think a formal inquiry, in addition to what I have already done, would serve no useful purpose.
§ Mr. HargreavesIn view of the nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise the matter as early as possible on the Adjournment.