HC Deb 18 June 1956 vol 554 cc58-9W
60. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health what procedure is used to obtain the consent of a patient before electric convulsant therapy is used; and what evidence he has from National Health Service hospitals about the dangers of injury to the spine and to other tissues.

Mr. Turton

The consent of a voluntary patient should be obtained in writing. In other cases it is normal practice for the consent of the nearest relative to be obtained if possible. On the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I have given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Carlisle (Dr. D. Johnson).