HC Deb 22 August 1940 vol 364 cc1481-2W
Sir T. Moore

asked the Minister of Health whether there is any special demand as yet for blood transfusion; whether he is satisfied that the home supply of such blood is adequate; and whether supplies are being obtained from overseas?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The demand for blood transfusion for the emergency medical services is so far well within the ordinary resources of the hospitals, supplemented by the special organisation set up in the London area and by the schemes for the production of plasma which are in process of establishment in the several regions. I am advised that so far as can be foreseen these arrangements should be adequate and that supplies of blood from overseas are not necessary.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health whether he has now considered and investigated the report made several weeks ago by his inspector Mr. E. Rock Carling, as to the state of preparedness for the reception and resuscitation of patients of the Sevenoaks and Holmesdale hospital; and whether he will now see that Mr. Carling's suggestions are carried out?

Mr. MacDonald

I am informed that in consultation with Mr. Rock Carling and others arrangements, satisfactory to the medical staff of the hospital, have been made for the use of a ward for reception and resuscitation of patients.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health whether mobile medical units have been instructed to unpack their equipment and set to work in the open air or to choose suitable buildings in which to operate as near as possible to the site of casualties?

Mr. MacDonald

Mobile first-aid units are instructed to adopt either of the methods stated in the Question, according to circumstances.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health whether he has now considered representations made to him by the Medical Practitioners' Union concerning possible dangers, should country villages be isolated by enemy action or military necessity, from the aid of the normal air-raid precautions medical services; and whether he will encourage all villages to make such preparations as may be possible to deal with a state of affairs in which official medical aid may not be available for 12 hours or more?

Mr. MacDonald

No, Sir. I have not received any specific representations from the Medical Practitioners' Union on this matter and I cannot add to the answers which I have previously given the hon. Member on the subject.