HC Deb 01 August 1966 vol 733 c32
54. Mr. Wallace

asked the Minister of Health if he will given an assurance that National Health Service hospitals for the mentally subnormal have not got on their staffs drug addicts, alcoholics or psychoneurotics; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. K. Robinson

There are standing arrangements to ensure as far as is practicable that unsuitable persons are not employed in the care of patients.

Mr. Wallace

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the statement which was made last February at a national conference on mental health by a doctor in service has caused a tremendous amount of anxiety to the nurses and others employed in this very vital service?

Mr. Robinson

I know about that statement. It seems to me most regrettable that a general accusation of this nature should be made which reflects on the many devoted and hard-working staffs of hospitals for the subnormal.