HC Deb 08 November 1954 vol 532 cc97-8W
62. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement on the case sent to him of a Cheshire mother, Mrs. Cooper, who was told after a cæsarian operation at West Park Hospital, Macclesfield, that she had given birth to a boy, the baby being registered as such, but when she arrived home discovered that the child was a girl; and whether he will at once set up a committee to inquire into the methods used at all hospitals for ensuring that each mother is given her own child after birth.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

A full inquiry by a special joint committee of the hospital management committee and the Manchester Regional Hospital Board was held on 4th November and my right hon. Friend is waiting a full report. In the meantime he has been informed that this inquiry has established beyond any possible doubt that the baby which Mrs. Cooper was given was her own child. My right hon. Friend understands that the initial mistake about the child's sex arose from a clerical error made by one of the staff who was off duty from sickness for 10 days immediately following the birth of the child. We greatly regret the distress of mind caused to Mrs. Cooper by this unfortunate occurrence.

As regards the second part of the Question I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply I have just given to other hon. Members.

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