§ 11. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement on the recommendations of a committee of inquiry appointed by his Department to investigate the circumstances of the death at the Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital last April of a 13-year-old boy; and what action he proposes to take following these recommendations in order to guard against accidents in the course of anaethesia.
§ Mr. RobinsonI very much regret the occurrence of this tragedy. The recommendations emphasise the need for close observance of the correct anaesthetic procedures. The regional hospital board has drawn attention to them within its region and is also further considering recommendations about staffing and training arrangements. One recommendation relates to warning devices on anaesthetic apparatus, and arrangements are in hand for this to be further studied centrally.
§ Mr. EdelmanI am obliged to my right hon. Friend, but in order to avoid further tragic incidents of this kind, will he pay particular attention to the fifth recommendation of the committee, which is that the Minister of Health should take urgent action in order to develop a device for giving warning about oxygen failure from anaesthetic machines? While accepting that action is to be taken, will he expedite it to the utmost?
§ Mr. RobinsonYes, Sir. I would assure my hon. Friend that contents gauges are fitted to all oxygen cylinders, but further expert study is to be given to questions relating to audible warning devices, which are, where required, already available for most types of machines, and further modified versions are expected shortly.