§ 4. Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services it she is aware that there is dissatisfaction in Mexborough and the surrounding districts at the conditions and lack of facilities at the casualty department at the Montagu Hospital; and if she will ensure that this department is improved as a matter of urgency.
§ Dr. OwenThe Rotherham Area Health Authority is considering with the Trent Regional Health Authority the report of an internal working party which they set up to consider the future of this department. The area health authority intends to consult the Barnsley and Doncaster Area Health Authorities and other local interests as soon as possible.
§ Mr. WainwrightCan my hon. Friend say when we can have some results? Is he not aware that the hospital is surrounded by several collieries and other heavy industries, and that the conditions there are probably the worst in the country? The staff are extraordinary, doing their work in a box-like, so-called casualty department which is so small that it takes experts to manoeuvre trolleys. But for the staff, who are doing such an excellent job, there would be tremendous complaints from the public and from patients attending the casualty department.
§ Dr. OwenI accept that the existing facilities are less than adequate. The hospital is not a designated accident and emergency centre, and it lacks back-up facilities, but medical staffing is also a problem with the hospital.