§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health whether the Sevenoaks and Holmesdale Hospital has made the arrangements for the reception and resuscitation of casualties, as recommended by his Department; and, if not, whether he will see that they are now carried out?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe Sevenoaks and Holmesdale Hospital is a class I hospital, accustomed to do general casualty work in normal times, and at present holding available for war casualties from 40 to 50 beds. I do not know what arrangements the hon. Member has in mind, but I have no reason to think that this hospital is not fully capable of dealing with casualties, if received.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health whether persons resident in country areas at distances of five miles or more from the nearest aid-post or hospital, but within a short distance of the nearest doctor, will normally be conveyed to the nearest aid-post or hospital if injured in an air 624W raid, although such injuries are of a slight character and can be dealt with by the local practitioner on the spot?
Mr. MacDonaldCasualties occurring at some distance from an aid post or a hospital would normally be dealt with by a mobile unit to which a doctor is attached. As I said in reply to the hon. Member on 2nd July, any exceptional case where it is not practicable to make use of the organised arrangements, will be considered on its merits.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health whether the particulars entered upon the lists of medical practitioners kept by the Central Medical War Committee are so full as to make it possible for any hospital to obtain at once in emergency the services of those in their neighbourhood who may have valuable experience of the administration of anaesthetics, blood transfusion, surgery, etc.; and whether hospitals are in fact supplied with lists of such practitioners?
Mr. MacDonaldStaff are already assigned for the various branches of medical work in all hospitals within the emergency scheme. To meet the possibility that additional medical staff might be required in an emergency, arrangements have been made for them to be supplied through the hospital officer or his representative from lists compiled with the assistance of local medical war committees. These committees are in possession of information showing the special experience of the practitioners concerned.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health what steps should be taken by a person injured in an air raid who has obtained immediate treatment from a local practitioner in order to secure a certificate entitling him to free treatment?
Mr. MacDonaldIn any exceptional case where it is not practicable for the injured person to avail himself of the arrangements described in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 2nd July, the facts should be reported to my Department, or to my senior regional officer locally, for consideration.