§ Dr. Millerasked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that existing methods of dealing with complaints that elderly patients, particularly in psychiatric hospitals, are ill-treated, afford adequate protection for patients and staff.
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§ Mr. K. RobinsonYes; comprehensive guidance on this subject was circulated only last year. But I should be glad to see the evidence on which such allegations may be based, and would not hesitate to refer it for independent inquiry if necessary. My Department have always made it clear that any evidence of undesirable practices, supported by details, would be investigated. Though it is clearly the duty of anyone who might have such evidence to produce it, little evidence of the kind that would enable such inquiries to be made has ever been provided. General unsubstantiated allegations are impossible to pursue and cast unfair suspicion on all those, doctors, nurses and others, who devote themselves to the care of these patients.