HC Deb 04 February 1942 vol 377 cc1203-4W
Sir L. Lyle

asked the Minister of Health how it is proposed in case of need to staff the emergency hospitals with medical men; and whether, in view of possible enemy action and the outbreak of an epidemic, he will, in the interests of the civilian population, refrain from permanently calling up any more doctors?

Miss Horsbrugh

Emergency hospitals are provided with medical staff to meet such needs as can be immediately foreseen. Any exceptional pressure on a hospital would be met by transfers from other hospitals under plans worked out in advance, by calling on available practitioners whose names have been placed on a rota for that purpose or by co-operation with Service medical establishments, or by a combination of such methods. The allocation of the available medical man-power between military and civilian services is considered by the Medical Personnel (Priority) Committee presided over by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Dominions, and the number of doctors called up is based on the advice of that Committee.

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