§ Miss LAWRENCEasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been directed to the circumstances attending the death of Miss Sarah Dicks at Whipp's Cross Hospital; whether he is aware that no communication of the death was made to the relatives of the deceased, a message being sent only to her lodgings; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made?
§ Sir K. WOODThis case was reported to my right hon. Friend by the medical superintendent of the hospital. He learns that the case was put on the danger list immediately after admission and was visited by relatives, who were informed that they could stay with the patient as long as they chose. The last visit paid by the relatives was within an hour of the patient's death, which took place at 8.55 p.m. on 21st January. In accordance with the usual practice of the guardians, which my right hon. Friend considers a proper one, the relatives were not informed of the death that night, but notice was sent by special 35W messenger at 8 o'clock on the following morning to the address furnished on the hospital bed-card.