§ 12. Mr. Fisherasked the Minister of Health what proportion of British hospitals has facilities for restarting the heart; and what proposals he has for increasing this equipment.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonMany acute hospitals already have these facilities and the requirements for a more comprehensive service are at present being considered by my Standing Medical Advisory Committee.
§ Mr. FisherAs I am told that this equipment might save hundreds, perhaps thousands of lives every year, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to do his very best to install it in as many hospitals as possible as quickly as possible? Can he indicate what the limiting factor is in going ahead with the programme?
§ Mr. RobinsonIt is not really so much a question of additional equipment as of organising the service in such a way as to make the best use of medical and nursing skills and equipment. I am treating it as a matter of urgency.