§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will now authorise an inquiry into the events that led to the death of Mrs. Alice Higgs, of 43 Feering Street, Newport, Monmouthshire, following her failure to obtain a cardiac operation due to staff shortage and other factors at the University Hospital, Cardiff, details of which were submitted to him by the hon. Member for Newport in a letter dated 17th July 1973.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI very much regret the anxiety which these events must have caused to Mrs. Higgs. I extend my sincere sympathy to her family. I am ensuring that the facts are thoroughly investigated. I have obtained a preliminary report from the Welsh Hospital Board on the basis of which I am replying to the hon. Member's letter of 17th July; and I have asked for a further report, particularly in relation to the staffing of the intensive care unit at the University Hospital of Wales.