HC Deb 29 February 1960 vol 618 cc812-3
6. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Health if he will establish a convalescent information bureau to advise on the placing of patients needing convalescent treatment.

Miss Pitt

The proposal to establish a bureau of this kind for the London hospital regions is shortly to be discussed with the regional boards concerned.

Mr. Pavitt

In thanking the hon. Lady for that reply, I should like to express the hope that the discussion will be fruitful. Is she aware that, while giant strides have been made in diagnosis, prognosis, prevention and treatment, the convalescent service has been more or less at a standstill for the last fifty years? Will the Minister at least make a start on this problem by co-ordinating the demand with the resources of supply?

Miss Pitt

The establishment of a convalescent information bureau for the Metropolitan region was recommended by the working party on convalescent treatment with the idea of giving hospital almoners information on the beds available. The hon. Member will be glad to learn that the meeting which I mentioned is to take place on 17th March.