HC Deb 29 January 1948 vol 446 cc189-90W
Mr. West

asked the Minister of Health what is the result of his inquiries into allegations of the inadequate care and feeding of infantile paralysis patients in White Lodge Emergency Hospital, Newmarket.

Mr. Bevan

My inquiries show that a special unit was set up in August last at this hospital for infantile paralysis patients from East Anglia in order to relieve the pressure on existing orthopaedic units, and that 61 cases have been admitted. The allegations which I have seen relate to three cases, and were based on a single brief visit to the hospital. A subsequent review of these cases provided no evidence of neglect and showed that nursing care and feeding are adequate. I am glad of this opportunity of reassuring patients and their relatives and of paying a tribute to the excellent work of the unit often carried out at some sacrifice on the part of the staff.