§ 35. Mr. Charles A. Howellasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that a woman patient attending a hospital within the South-Western Regional Hospital Board area was offered a shroud to cover herself due to the lack of dressing gowns; and if he will ensure that action is taken to avoid this embarrassment to other patients.
§ Miss PittI am aware of the incident which took place in 1959. I am satisfied that it was isolated and accidental. There is no shortage of dressing gowns or X-ray gowns at this hospital.
§ Mr. HowellIs the hon. Lady aware that the chairman of the regional board expressed his regrets to the lady concerned but said that it was a question of priority for finance and that the first priority must go to medical services? In view of that, does she agree that it is no use having medical services when people can be embarrassed to this extent?
§ Miss PittThe hon. Gentleman is a little confused. I have seen copies of his correspondence with the chairman of the board. I am sure that the point he has just mentioned referred to alterations of the out-patients' department, not just to this minor detail of dressing gowns.
§ Mr. HowellIt was the out-patients' department that the lady went to. This is all part of the peculiar system under which a dressing gown is part of the equipment.
§ Miss PittIt has no relation to the building and the provision of an adequate out-patients' department. This was an isolated incident which took place nearly three years ago.
§ Mr. HowellIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give 912 notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.