HC Deb 23 October 1967 vol 751 cc351-2W
Mr. Whitaker

asked the Minister of Health how many hospitals still strip patients of their spectacles, dentures and hearing-aids; and whether he will seek assurances that this practice will now cease.

Mr. K. Robinson

I have no evidence that any hospitals are acting contrary to my advice that mentally disordered or elderly confused patients should be allowed to retain such aids and other personal belongings, and that where it is necessary, exceptionally, to remove them, this should only be done on medical advice.