HC Deb 19 March 1968 vol 761 cc223-4
37. Mr. Burden

asked 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. Snow

St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Rochester, is staffed and equipped to provide a full accident and emergency service for these towns.

Mr. Burden

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me whether the Medway Hospital is so staffed, because this has been designated as an accident hospital?

Mr. Snow

The 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 Wells

Is 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. Snow

The 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.