§ Colonel Lyonsasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists at the time involved and the long delays incurred by men who have had occasion to visit Roehampton Hospital for the fitting and refitting of artificial limbs; and whether he will arrange to have better facilities and arranged times available.
988W
§ Sir W. WomersleyI cannot accept the statement in the first part of the Question. Attendance for fitting and refitting of artificial limbs is by timed appointment and no patient is detained longer than is necessary. It will, however, be realised that, while everything is done to avoid any undue inconvenience to patients, cases demanding more than the usual time either in the limb fitting centre or in the contractor's works must occasionally arise. This, coupled with the fact that every day a varying number of men visit the Hospital without appointment, tends at times to upset any arranged time-table. This position is understood and accepted generally by the men themselves, but my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that the arrangements are kept constantly under review in order to reduce the waiting period to a minimum.