§ Mr. Grovesasked the Home Secretary what steps have been taken to ensure that all local authorities adequately display posters, or otherwise, sufficiently to inform the public of how they should seek medical aid in emergency due to air raids?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI have been asked to reply. The adequate display of posters and direction signs for the purpose indicated in the Question is one of the matters to which my medical officers direct their attention when inspecting the casualty services in their regions. The hon. Member will be aware that information on the subject is also contained in the air-raid precautions cards distributed to householders.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health whether persons living a considerable distance from any hospital, and injured in an air raid, but not so seriously injured as to need attention at a hospital, will be obliged to visit a hospital in order to secure a certificate entitling them to free treatment?
Mr. MacDonaldThe persons described will normally receive attention in the first instance at a first-aid post or from a mobile unit, and any necessary subsequent treatment through an out-patient department, where a certificate for free domiciliary treatment will be given, if the circumstances so require. Any exceptional case where it is not practicable to make use of these arrangements will be considered on its merits.
690W
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to secure that all medical practitioners, not at present connected with air-raid precautions organisations, are made aware of what they should do in case of severe air raids and, in particular, whether they should remain at their surgeries or should accept calls to private individuals and so pass out of touch with all others?
Mr. MacDonaldI do not think it is practicable to lay down definite rules as to what all doctors should do in case of air raids. Those who are not designated for immediate duty at first-aid posts or hospitals may be called upon later to reinforce those services if they are available. If, in the meantime, they receive calls from private individuals they can be relied upon to use their judgment, as they are accustomed to do, in deciding whether the patient's condition requires an immediate visit. Where the individual is injured as the result of the air raid, the necessary medical attention will normally be given through the casualty services and the need for a special summons to a doctor should not arise.
§ Mr. Critchleyasked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to give effect to the widespread feeling amongst doctors that all of them should be definitely linked with the air-raid precautions organisations so that they may be aware of their duties, and able to co-operate immediately, if suddenly called upon to assist at a hospital or aid post, or if required to cope with casualties in their neighbourhood?
Mr. MacDonaldI would refer to the reply given to-day to a somewhat similar question put by the hon. Member for Stratford (Mr. Groves). Medical officers of health in charge of casualty services have been authorised, if the need arises, to call upon any available doctors not already attached to those services, and it is for them to make their plans accordingly, in co-operation with the profession locally.