§ 57. Sir C. Mott-Radclyffeasked the Minister of Health what information he has regarding the closing of the operating theatres and the surgery at the Heather-wood Hospital, Ascot, following the outbreak of gangrene; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThere were five cases of infection, and the general and orthopaedic theatres were closed on 13th December. A full investigation is now in progress to establish the cause of the outbreak and the means of preventing any recurrence. In the meantime arrangements have been made for surgical cases to be dealt with elsewhere.
§ Sir C. Mott-RadclyffeCould the right hon. Gentleman say how long the investigation is likely to take before he reaches any conclusions, and, secondly, whether the arrangements for using the 1678 theatres in the neighbouring hospitals are proceeding smoothly?
§ Mr. RobinsonYes, the arrangements are proceeding quite smoothly, and I should like to assure the hon. Gentleman that all five cases are progressing well. How long the theatres will remain out of use will depend on the results of the investigation, but I understand that it is hoped to reopen them in about a fortnight's time.