§ 56. Mr. St. John-Stevasasked the Minister of Health if he will take steps o remedy deficiencies at St. John's Hospital, Chelmsford, and provide adequate facilities for patients and medical and other staff.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Charles Louglin)I understand that the regional hospital board intends to improve the facilities at this hospital, pending the building in the longer term of a new district general hospital.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a few days ago a senior surgeon at the hospital stated that unless something was done at once to improve conditions in the operating theatre there would be imminent danger, because of the charge of static electricity there, of an explosion in the operating theatre? In view of the danger to the lives of patients, doctors and nurses, will the Minister take immediate action to 30 remedy this extremely dangerous state of affairs?
§ Mr. LoughlinThis is being done. The board is proceeding urgently with the laying of anti-static flooring in the operating theatre, and we hope that there will not be any occasion for explosions.
§ Mr. MaxwellIs my hon. Friend aware that these appalling conditions in hospitals have existed for years and years and that the former Administration did nothing about them, and also that we take a very dim view of doctors using this sort of thing for political purposes inspired by hon. Members opposite?
§ Mr. LoughlinI am sure that my hon. Friend will have seen the very full statement to this effect made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health over the weekend.