HC Deb 16 December 1963 vol 686 c163W
Miss Vickers

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will employ fully qualified almoners in the Royal Naval hospitals, amongst whose duties would be to advise men who are in hospital before being discharged from the Royal Navy.

Mr. Hay

A wardmaster officer is employed full time at each Royal Naval Hospital on welfare duties. Additional help on the non-medical problems of patients is given by Red Cross and St. John's Ladies and the hospital chaplains. Patients invalided from the service are looked after by a specially organised invaliding and medical survey system, including Ministry of Labour advice on resettlement problems.

I consider these arrangements meet the particular circumstances of Naval Hospitals better than would the employment of a civilian almoner.