§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cotton cellular blankets are being used in the 393W NHS; what would be the cost of replacing these; and what steps he is taking to phase these out of high risk fire areas.
§ Mr. DeakinsIt is estimated that in England and Wales about 1 million cotton cellular blankets are in use on patients' beds.
Health authorities have been advised that only wool blankets should be used in high fire risk areas. It is for them to determine these areas and the steps to be taken to phase out any cotton cellular blankets.
The cost of a wool blanket as specified for hospital use is about £8 or double that of a cotton cellular blanket.