DARTFORD MP Dr Howard Stoate came to the rescue in the House of Commons when a member of the public fainted.
During the debate on the new Terrorism Bill, the MP who is the Commons' only practising doctor, was summoned to the public gallery where an elderly woman had collapsed.
After rushing out of the chamber, the MP helped the visitor and gave her a check over.
Dr Stoate said: "Fortunately, she had only fainted and was soon back to normal but it certainly shows why it's useful to have MPs with medical backgrounds.
"Being the only doctor in the House, I suppose it means I'm effectively 'on call' whenever the House is sitting."
As well as getting a thank you from the woman herself and the people she was with, the MP also received a letter from the House of Commons medical service thanking him for his "services and prompt intervention".
December 5, 2001 02:06
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