§ 49. Mr. Montgomeryasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of a recent death resulting from the system adopted for identifying blood for transfusions at Queen Victoria Nursing Institute, Wolverhampton; and what steps he is taking to prevent any further failures to identify bottled blood at this hospital.
§ Mr. SnowI am aware of this tragic incident. Blood for transfusion at this hospital is labelled in accordance with the uniform hospital system for distinguishing the blood group and I have no evidence of need for change in the system. The hospital management committee is considering what action is needed locally to prevent a repetition.
§ Mr. MontgomeryCan the Minister say whether it is intended to hold an inquiry into this case? Is he aware that while he may be satisfied with the system a lot of people are not? Two people of the same name were in the hospital and the wrong blood was given to a lady who subsequently died? Is he aware that this has caused a great deal of alarm? I would be grateful if he would have an inquiry into the whole business?
§ Mr. SnowThe system is perfectly all right. There were errors committed, the hospital management committee has 27 arranged for the paints brought out at the inquest to be studied by its nursing committee and the group medical advisory committee. I understand that questions of negligence are likely to be raised in civil proceedings against the hospital, and in those circumstances the House and the hon. Gentleman will perhaps forgive me for not elaborating.