§ 31 and 32. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health (1) what progress has been made in the policy to allow unrestricted or open visiting hours for parents in children's hospitals; if he is satisfied 22 with what has been achieved so far; and what are the future prospects in this respect;
(2) if he is aware that in hospitals where unrestricted visiting has been allowed, certain restrictions have already been imposed; and if he will define the expression, unrestricted visiting, in view of the confusion that exists.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Kenneth Robinson)Unrestricted visiting means that visitors are allowed into the ward at any reasonable hour during the day, subject to the discretion of the consultant in charge and the ward sister; I am aware that at a few general hospitals more liberal visiting arrangements for patients generally have met with certain criticism and some restrictions have been re-introduced; in the case of children, hospital boards have been advised to abandon fixed visiting hours and progress is being made, but I shall continue to keep a close watch on the situation.
§ Mr. DoddsIs my right hon. Friend aware that his predecessor in February stated that 75 per cent. of all hospitals in England and Wales were giving unrestricted hours for parents of sick children? Is he aware that in the recent survey it was shown that of the 72 hospitals between Battersea and Chichester 22 were giving just over two hours per day? Would he have another look at this, because there seems to be some confusion and this is a matter of great interest, as it is believed that it would be a great advantage to sick children if they could see their parents more?
§ Mr. RobinsonI entirely agree with my hon. Friend, and I am looking at this. He is quite correct in saying there has been some confusion arising out of what did constitute unrestricted visiting. Some of the hospitals misunderstood this, but new advice was sent to them by my Department as recently as last month asking them to review their arrangements in the light of the definition I have given this afternoon. I shall be calling for reports from the boards shortly.