§ 37. Mr. Burdenasked the Minister of Health how many hospitals in the Medway towns possess the full medical services that comprise a fully staffed custom-designed accident and emergency department.
§ Mr. SnowSt. Bartholomew's Hospital, Rochester, is staffed and equipped to provide a full accident and emergency service for these towns.
§ Mr. BurdenCan the hon. Gentleman tell me whether the Medway Hospital is so staffed, because this has been designated as an accident hospital?
§ Mr. SnowThe designation of the Medway Hospital has been cleared now and the department involved is under construction. It is assumed that it will be completed about the end of 1969.
§ Mr. John WellsIs the Minister aware that this situation is completely unsatisfactory as there are two major motorways between Maidstone and the Medway towns and the proposed new general hospital on the Preston Hall site seems to have been put off indefinitely? Will the Minister bring that project forward quickly?
§ Mr. SnowThe hon. Gentleman must remember that if it is true that accidents on motorways tend to be rather more serious because of speed considerations, it is all the more important to have up-to-date full consultant cover and accident provision available.