§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a circular or report on the welfare of abandoned children in hospital; and institute family-type units for these children; and if he will make a statement including an indication of the timing of his proposed action in this field.
§ Sir K. JosephMy Department will publish in mid-January a circular to advise hospital authorities on the maintenance of family links with children in hospital and on the measures that should be taken to prevent abandonment; copies will be sent to local authorities.
390WWhere it appears that a child has been or is in danger of being abandoned, the circular gives advice on action to be taken by hospital authorities to reestablish contact between the child and his family. It also urges that a child abandoned in hospital should as far as possible be provided with the means to lead a normal life. Hospital authorities have recently been advised to provide accommodation in family-type units for those children who have to spend long periods in hospital. It is for the hospital authorities to decide when such units can be provided at a particular hospital, and no general timing can therefore be given.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the National Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital on the problems of abandoned and rarely visited children in hospital; what reply he has made; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. AllisonMy right hon. Friend received representatives from the National Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital on 18th November. He discussed the problems of these children with them, and told them of the guidance that my Department would shortly be issuing to hospital authorities, and to which he refers in his reply to another Question from the hon. Member today. Arrangements have already been made for my Department to have further discussions with the Association.