§ 61 and 63. Mr. Willisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he is aware that in a recent survey in Edinburgh, made by 159 doctors of 5,086 elderly patients, it was discovered that there was a large need for physiotherapy; and whether he will take steps to ensure that this need is met; (2) if he is aware that in a recent survey made in Edinburgh of 5,086 elderly patients of 159 doctors some 1,274 had need of domestic medical assistance and 1,270 were in need of nursing, hospital treatment or rehabilitation; and whether he will take steps to deal with this situation.
The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Commander T. D. Galbraith)This survey was conducted as part of a joint study, in which Edinburgh Corporation and the South-Eastern Regional Hospital Board are participating, of the needs of elderly patients in Edinburgh. The assessment of its findings, in particular as to the relative importance of the various needs reported by the 1001 general practitioners, is a matter primarily for these authorities, who will, I am sure, take careful note of them in considering the development of the various services for which they are responsible under Statute.
§ Mr. WillisIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the results of this survey should completely destroy the complacency of the Government about the conditions of old folk? Does he not realise that, in order to deal with this problem, we require not only the activity of the authority concerned but also money from the Government?
Commander GalbraithI assure the hon. Member that there is no feeling of complacency on the part of Her Majesty's Government in connection with this matter. I would further inform him that these particulars were collected so that a study could be made, and that is going on now.