§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons were admitted to hospital in a hypothermic condition during the winter of 1971–72; what reduction he expects in the figure for the winter 1972–73; what further action he has taken; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephInformation is not centrally available on the numbers admitted to hospital in a hypothermic condition, but I would expect that the attention given to the problem will tend to reduce the number of cases arising.
A circular letter was sent to all local authorities in August last about helping old people with their heating problems, and I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on 14th November. I am sending out a further letter to local authorities reminding medical and nursing staff of the recurring risk of accidental hypothermia among some elderly people and very young children and of the need for measures to identify and deal with the problem whenever it occurs.— [Vol. 846, c. 74–5.]