§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the last comprehensive survey of the causes of hypothermia in elderly people was carried out; what were its main recommendations; what progress has been made in implementing its recommendations; and whether his Department plans any new research in this area.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergTwo surveys of physiological, social and environmental conditions influencing the deep body temperature of elderly people living at home were carried out in 1972. The report of the surveys in the British Medical Journal, pages 200–206, 27 January 1973, was addressed to a wide audience and recommended further research; the need for diagnosis and definition of hypothermia; the consideration of measures to provide for improvements in living conditions; preventive measures and publicity about the dangers of hypothermia.
Statutory bodies provide a range of help for housing and heating needs. Health and social services staff of all disciplines have been alerted to the dangers of hypothermia. The Health Education Council draws attention to what elderly people themselves and their families, friends and neighbours can do. The Department is not planning to conduct any further surveys itself but is associated with the Medical Research Council's programme of research into the biomedical and physiological aspects of hypothermia.