HC Deb 27 July 1915 vol 73 cc2146-7W
Commander BELLAIRS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Surgeon David Vickery was invalided from the Navy on 9th September by a survey board, which did not examine his injured knee but accepted the opinion of one of the six special consultants engaged by the Admiralty for the War, who made the mistaken diagnosis of osteo arthritis; whether he is aware that this diagnosis was subsequently disproved by X rays and by a successful operation removing loose pieces of cartilage, resulting in complete recovery, and this is borne out by five surgeons and four doctors; and whether, in view of the fact that the injury was incurred while in the Service and Dr. David Vickery was invalided from the Navy on a wrong diagnosis, the Board will give instructions that the expenses of his operation and his medical expenses should be refunded to him?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The facts are generally as stated by the hon. and gallant Member, with the exception that the report on the case does not bear out the suggestion that Surgeon Vickery's knee was not examined by the Board of Survey. Further consideration is being given to the matter, but I must not be interpreted as giving any undertaking in regard to the last part of the question.