§ 50. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that it is the practice of certain mental hospitals, when obtaining the consent of patients or relatives for electro-convulsant therapy treatment, to warn them of the risk of fractures; and if he will recommend that this practice be universally adopted.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI have nothing to add to the Answer I gave to my hon. Friend on 12th November.
§ Dr. JohnsonDoes my right hon. and learned Friend not agree that it is much more satisfactory to have some warning on a general basis when consent is given 807 rather than to rely on individual warnings, which on occasion are inevitably overlooked, thereby creating resentment and, on occasion, loss of confidence in the hospital in question?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI hardly think so, because these are inevitably rather technical questions which have to be dealt with in the light of the individual case by the doctor in charge. My hon. Friend can, however, be assured that it is the usual practice for patients or their relatives to be warned of the relevant risk.
§ Mr. MayhewWill the Minister make it clear that, owing to improvements in modern techniques, the risk of fracture is much less than it used to be and this treatment is very effective?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithCertainly I am glad to endorse what the hon. Member says, that the risk of fractures is considerably reduced by modern techniques, including the use of relaxants.