HC Deb 08 July 1941 vol 373 cc53-4W
Dr. Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, (1) whether there are any rehabilitation centres for the disabled in Scotland as distinct from fracture clinics and from the training and retraining labour centres; whether any plans or developments are being considered for implementation of the Interdepartmental Committee's recommendations during the war; whether any official Reports are available for perusal by Members of Parliament; and what action he proposes to take, in view of the urgency of this problem;

(2) whether he is aware that in the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow there is no in-patient organised fracture clinic on the lines laid down by the British Medical Association Fracture Committee, 1935, and recommended by the Interdepartmental Committee, the Delevingne Committee, 1938; and in the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, there is only a partially organised out-patient fracture clinic; that in Glasgow there are only varying degrees of organisation of fracture out-patient treatment in the three voluntary hospitals in that city; and what action he is taking to remedy this?

Mr. Johnston

While I am aware that facilities for fracture treatment in Edinburgh and Glasgow are not generally in full accordance with the recommendations of the Delevingne Committee some progress has been made since the publication of the report. Moreover in developing the emergency hospital services special attention has been given to arrangements for the treatment of fractures including the provision in Scotland of six entirely new orthopaedic units (with associated provision for occupational therapy providing 2,000 beds). As announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health on 3rd April last these facilities are available not only for the treatment of civilian war casualties but also for certain manual workers whose early return to work is of special importance. As regards conditions which occasion crippling other than fractures I have encouraged schemes initiated by voluntary bodies for the improvement and extension of facilities for their treatment. I am not aware of any official report on this subject other than that of the Delevingne Committee.