§ 39. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Health why the undertakings made have not been carried out at the North Staffordshire Infirmary, Stoke-on-Trent; why the capital expenditure has not been allowed; what are the present proposals; and if the requirements will now be granted as matters of urgency.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganI am not aware of any undertakings which have not been carried out. As my right hon. Friend told the hon. Member on 4th March, it is hoped to begin a new casualty and accident department next year.
§ 40 Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Health (1) if his attention has been directed to the proceedings of the inquests held at Stoke-on-Trent on those who died after undergoing operations at the North Staffordshire Infirmary, Stoke-on-Trent, and the evidence given at the inquests by Dr. E. M. MacKay-Scollar, Director of the Public Health Laboratory, Stafford; and what action he is taking in regard to this hospital; and
(2) if he will make a full statement on the evidence of the tetanus spores which were shown to have been widespread throughout the operating theatre of the North Staffordshire Infirmary, Stoke-on-Trent; and what action has been taken in the past by the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganMy right hon. Friend is aware of the evidence given at the inquests and is awaiting a final Report from the regional hospital board on the full investigation, which is not yet complete. The hospital authorities closed the three operating theatres as soon as the outbreak occurred and they will remain closed until any necessary alterations have been made.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithWhile making no reflection whatever upon the medical and nursing staff, may I ask if it is the intention of the Ministry to have a close investigation into this matter, and especially into the administrative and managerial side?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganI think my right hon. Friend would like to await the final report before he comments.