HC Deb 01 April 1963 vol 675 cc4-5
10. Mr. P. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that on 31st December, 1962, there were 29 sub-normal and severely sub-normal children and young persons in the County Borough of Derby and in the Parliamentary constituency of Derby, South, who were in need of admission to hospital, that five of them had been on the waiting list for more than 9½ years, two others for more than 8 years, and ten others for periods varying from 4 to 8 years; how many of these children and young persons have since been admitted to hospital; and whether he will make a statement about those still remaining on the waiting list.

Mr. Powell

My information is twenty-eight, two, three and eleven respectively; nine have since been admitted; the list is now eighteen, including ten non-urgent.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is it a fact that on 31st December 22 cases were urgent? Is the Minister aware that in recent months one mother has died from the strain of looking after her handicapped child and other children and one handicapped child has been killed?

Mr. Powell

I have not those facts, but I will take note of them if the right hon. Member will send me the evidence. I think it is a matter for satisfaction that the waiting list has been almost halved in the last three months. This shows the contribution which the large number of additional beds now being opened in the Sheffield area is making to a solution of the problem.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are still many children who have been on the waiting list for more than four years? One of my constituents, Janet Mills, has been on the waiting list for twelve years and there is no hope of her admission to hospital at present, her father is informed. Is it not a very grave matter that there should be these immensely long waiting times?

Mr. Powell

I should make it clear that these are not in the ordinary sense of the term hospital waiting lists. They are lists from local authorities. The girl to whom the right hon. Member referred was only recently transferred to the urgent part of the list.