§ 17. Mr. Snowasked the Minister of Health what directions, advice or guidance are issued to hospitals under his control in the matter of the accommodation of children in adults' wards; and whether he is satisfied about the position at the Victoria Hospital, Lichfield, Staffordshire.
§ Mr. R. ThompsonI am sending the hon. Member a copy of a memorandum my right hon. and learned Friend addressed to all hospital authorities in February last. With regard to the second part of the Question, I cannot add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 6th July last.
§ Mr. SnowIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this matter is causing anxiety locally? Indeed, the Mayor of Lichfield has been considering opening a public subscription fund to try to obtain a ward for these children. There are many undesirable factors and incidents in an adults' ward to which no small child should be subjected. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that no blame attaches to the local hospital management committee, which, in this case, as 861 in many others, is subject to the local regional board? Cannot the regional board do something in the matter?
§ Mr. ThompsonAs I told the hon. Member in reply to his earlier Question, a review of facilities for children in the region is now in progress and the position of the hospital will be considered in the light of it.