§ 3. Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to provide facilities for short-stay in-patient treatment of poliomyelitis patients living in the Orpington area following closure of the respiratory unit at Western Hospital, Fulham.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Julian Snow)No decision has been taken to close this unit. If it is closed alternative facilities will be provided.
§ Mr. LubbockWill the hon. Gentleman say what alternative facilities he has in mind for patients in the Orpington area? Is he aware that some of my constituents have been told that they will have to have trachcainlets fitted which will tie them to one room, and greatly increase the difficulties of families looking after these severely disabled patients?
§ Mr. SnowI am aware of the case which has been exercising the hon. Gentleman's mind. As to the medical aspect which he has mentioned, there are two hospitals, Brook General and Hither Green, which are nearer to Orpington than the Western Hospital at Fulham.