HC Deb 29 February 1960 vol 618 cc803-4
12. Mr. Holland

asked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to ensure that existing geriatric single-sex hospitals are provided with accommodation for married couples.

Miss Pitt

My information is that it is uncommon for a husband and wife to need treatment in a geriatric hospital at the same time; but if my hon. Friend can give me details of any case of hardship due to prolonged separation in different hospitals, I will certainly look into the matter.

Mr. Holland

Is my hon. Friend not aware that it often happens that when a wife who has been nursing her husband herself comes in need of treatment the two are sent to hospitals many miles apart? Will she not agree that at this day, when by custom women have the right to choose their partners, she should initiate steps to enable married couples to stay together in the evening of their lives?

Miss Pitt

I entirely agree. In the case of those needing active geriatric treatment, the average stay in hospital is only 40 days. I think my hon. Friend must also be thinking of the chronic sick cases where, if it is possible for them to be in the same hospital, that is arranged by the hospital authorities. However, I did offer to look at any particular case, and I will gladly do so.