§ Major PRESCOTTasked the Pension Minister whether he can make any statement as to the amelioration of the hospital arrangements for discharged sailors and soldiers suffering from neurosis and neurasthenia; whether he is aware that many of these Tottenham cases, together with those of epilepsy, are still awaiting admission into homes of recovery; whether he is aware that Mr. H. G. Cooke, a discharged soldier, of 39, Franklin Street, Tottenham, has been waiting for over five weeks to be admitted into hospital; whether he is aware that a similar case which had been waiting for a similar period ended fatally a few days ago; and will he take immediate action to see that all outstanding cases are admitted to hospital without further delay?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThis matter has occupied the serious attention of the medical officers. It is hoped that soon a central neurological institution will be established in each region, available for both in-patient and out-patient treatment. It is recognised that in a great number of neurasthenic cases in-patient treatment is not required, and in order to provide for this a number of clinics are being established in various parts of the country where expert out-patient treatment will be given. It is, therefore, confidently expected that very soon ample accommodation will be available for the efficient treatment of these cases. As regards the case of Mr. Cooke, his admission to an institution has now been arranged. There was, unfortunately, a little delay in obtaining a vacancy in a suitable hospital. The other case quoted was complicated by the fact that the patient was also suffering from epilepsy, and it was from this disease that he died.