HC Deb 18 June 1956 vol 554 cc1049-50
51. Dr, D. Johnson

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that a proportion, estimated at from 10 to 20 per cent., of patients treated by electric convulsant therapy suffer as a consequence from crush fractures of the spine; and if he will order an investigation so that the risks of this otherwise valuable form of treatment of mental illness can be accurately assessed and, if possible, guarded against.

Mr. Turton

I am making some inquiries and looking at the correspondence which my hon. Friend has sent me. I will write to him as soon as I can.

Dr. Johnson

May I again thank my right hon. Friend for his interest? In view of the cases which I have submitted to him, will he insist in particular that anybody who, after this operation, complains of ill effects, should be immediately X-rayed and given suitable after-care?