18. Mr. H. Wilsonasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the recent death in Whiston Hospital of Maria Colette Moogan, 3, Butleigh Road, Huyton, caused by an explosion in her throat during a tonsillectomy; what inquiry has been held by the hospital service into this case; and what steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence of such accidents.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI am aware of this unfortunate incident, and I want to take this opportunity of expressing my deep sympathy with the child's parents. An immediate inquiry was held by the Liverpool Regional Hospital Board which I understand is believed to have established that the cause of the tragedy was78W the use of an electric cautery at the same time as an inflammable anaesthetic. The Board has circulated the facts to all hospital medical advisory committees in the Region and has emphasised the necessity for the closest possible liaison between surgeons and anaesthetists.