§ Mr. Willie W. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospitals have reported salmonella infections since the beginning of the current year; how many deaths have been caused to date by such infections; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThere have been 18 outbreaks of salmonella infections in NHS hospitals in England and Wales reported to the communicable disease surveillance centre in 1984. Salmonella infection has been established as a contributory factor in 5 deaths. The inquests into the deaths of 19 patients at Stanley Royd hospital, Wakefield, have been adjourned until 14 November. My right hon. Friend has announced the setting up of a public enquiry to investigate the outbreak at that hospital.