HC Deb 21 January 1965 vol 705 cc130-1W
Mr. Gregory

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements have been made for informing next of kin of the progress of men who are patients in Royal naval hospitals, and for the introduction of standard drill to inform next of kin of transfer of patients from one hospital to another, both in the United Kingdom and overseas, as referred to in his correspondence with the hon. Member for Stockport, North.

Mr. Mayhew

If a patient in a Royal naval hospital is seriously ill, or if his illness prevents him from sending messages home, or if he is under 18, then a report is sent to his next of kin. Further reports are sent at frequent intervals for men who are seriously ill, or who are under 18, until their condition is satisfactory. As a result of a case brought to my attention by the hon. Member, I have also arranged that the next of kin should be informed when a patient is admitted to a Royal naval hospital on transfer from another hospital, at home or overseas.