HC Deb 29 April 1968 vol 763 c137W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements are made by hospitals for play on an organised basis in their children's wards; what advice he plans to give them for the improvement and extension of these arrangements; what is his Department's reply to the offer by the Save the Children Fund, details of which are in his possession, to provide play leaders for hospitals in different parts of the country; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. K. Robinson

Various arrangements are made, including the use of nursery nurses, teachers in hospital schools and voluntary helpers. My Department is studying the work of the Save the Children Fund in this sphere and their suggestions for improving and extending play activities in hospitals. The result of this study and of a survey of children's long-stay hospitals being undertaken by my Department will enable me to consider what further guidance might be given to hospital authorities.