§ 87. Mr. BRIANTasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the frequent delay in the removal of persons by ambulance after street accidents in London to hospitals, etc., where they can be received; if he is aware that persons in a critical condition are sometimes taken to an institution where they 2567 are refused admission owing to the lack of vacant beds, and that a second journey has to be taken before actual admission to another institution is obtained, thus involving danger to life and much avoidable suffering; and if further co-ordination between the ambulance and hospital or infirmary authorities can be attained by which daily reports of institutional accommodation available can be in the possession of the ambulance authorities and the police so that the delay in obtaining proper attention can be avoided?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINCases of delay undoubtedly occur, though I have no evidence that they are of frequent occurrence. I have referred the hon. Member's suggestion to the Voluntary Hospitals Commission with a request that it should be brought to the notice of King Edward's Hospital Fund, acting as the local voluntary hospitals committee for London, and the local voluntary hospital committees surrounding the metropolitan area.