HC Deb 24 October 1966 vol 734 cc625-6
9. Mr. Whitaker

asked the Minister of Health how many hospitals at present allow unrestricted parental visits to child patients as recommended by the Platt Committee; and how many provide accommodation for mothers who wish to remain with their children who are seriously ill.

Mr. K. Robinson

In April, 733 of the hospitals that admit children reported that they allowed unrestricted visiting by parents, and in March 1965 200 provided accommodation for parents.

Mr. Whitaker

I thank my right hon. Friend for that Answer. Would he not agree that activities vary considerably from one area to another, and will he encourage the more conservative hospitals to follow the lead given by the more enlightened ones?

Mr. Robinson

Yes, Sir. I am constantly doing this, and I have called for further reports showing the visiting position this month.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Can the Minister say how many hospitals do not provide this very valuable service to parents?

Mr. Robinson

The figure I mentioned represents 71 per cent.—that is, if the hon. and learned Gentleman is speaking of unrestricted visiting and not accommodation for mothers—of all hospitals admitting children. In addition, a further 79 hospitals, while they retain fixed visiting hours, are allowing visiting for eight or more hours during the day, and a further 63 are restricting visiting on the day of operation. I have said that there should not be a general rule restricting visiting, even on the day of operation.