§ 2.48 p.m.
§ LORD MACPHERSON OF DRUMOCHTERMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made since their promise on July 13, 1966, to examine sympathetically the question of providing facilities for those unfortunate young people suffering from both physical and mental disabilities.]
§ LORD SORENSENMy Lords, I believe the noble Lord is particularly concerned with accident cases, and especially those victims who have suffered brain damage as well as associated physical injuries. The immediate treatment is the responsibility of the major accident and emergency centres which are being developed in accordance with the Report of the Standing Medical Advisory Committee Sub-Committee on Accident and Emergency Services. These units have access to psychiatric advice and co-operation. Every region has at least one neurosurgical centre, and in many cases more, to which those with severe brain injury are usually transferred and here, too, psychiatric advice is available.
The later rehabilitation of these patients is a long and difficult process, but the prospects for them are more hopeful than they formerly appeared to be. A few centres have pioneered this work and taken a special interest, but increasingly the ordinary rehabilitation services of the National Health Service are successfully taking over the care of these patients, and they are well aware 8 of the psychiatric element in such injuries.
§ LORD MACPHERSON OF DRUMOCHTERMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply. I should like to ask him one or two supplementary questions. Is the Minister aware of the growing public interest in this problem, and the concern felt in hospitals and institutions because of the lack of long-term facilities? Secondly, is the Minister aware that the increase in motor accidents, particularly those involving young people, means, regrettably, that this type of case is becoming more numerous? Lastly, is the Minister aware that one way in which he can assist in helping to solve the immediate problem is by providing some financial aid to those dedicated bodies who are providing facilities to help these unfortunate cases?
§ LORD SORENSENMy Lords, I can assure the noble Lord that the Minister is very much aware of the increased public interest to which he refers, and also, unfortunately, of the growing number of accidents on roadways caused by the increase of traffic. I can assure the noble Lord that everything is being done to solve this problem. However, I think it would be particularly helpful if the noble Lord could indicate in some way what further facilities he has in mind which are not available now, and which he thinks should be provided. If he will do this, I will certainly see that his suggestions are brought to the attention of the Minister. I should also point out to the noble Lord—and I am sure he appreciates this—that although these cases are particularly distressing, and need the utmost attention and concern on the part of medical authorities, there are, nevertheless, other equally serious cases, and that these cases cannot be taken out of the general context of the further expansion of existing hospital services. I thank the noble Lord once more for drawing the attention of the Minister and the public to this kind of accident which, as we all appreciate, is most distressing. As I have said, if he cares to give us any specific proposal or suggestion, I will see that it is sympathetically considered.
§ LORD MACPHERSON OF DRUMOCHTERMy Lords, while again thanking the Minister, may I say that it 9 is difficult for me to reply to him without asking a question—?
§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE EARL OF LONGFORD)My Lords, the noble Lord will realise why I began to be frightened by his attempt to reply. If he has a question, perhaps he will put it.
§ LORD MACPHERSON OF DRUMOCHTERMy Lords, would the Minister be satisfied if I were to communicate with him later on the subject?
§ LORD SORENSENMy Lords, most certainly; and I assure the noble Lord that if he cares to have a few words with me some time this afternoon, I am at his disposal.