§ 3. Dr. Vincent Cable (Twickenham)What progress has been made in reducing waiting times in accident and emergency wards in London hospitals in the past two years. [88239]
§ The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr. John Denham)More than £15 million is to be invested in A and E schemes across London hospitals for 26 accident and emergency departments. The money will help to ensure that long waits are tackled through the introduction of admission wards, special areas for 807 children, the appointment of more emergency nurse practitioners and new initiatives such as direct links with general practitioner surgeries.
§ Dr. CableIs the Minister aware of the absolutely critical situation in south-west London, particularly at the West Middlesex and Kingston hospitals, which is manifested in large numbers of overnight stays and longer waits? Although we appreciate the programme of additional works that the Government are contemplating, will he consider an emergency programme designed to increase the number of beds in the hospitals so that the accident and emergency wards do not simply become annexes to the hospitals and chronically overcrowded as a result?
§ Mr. DenhamI am sure that the hon. Gentleman would acknowledge that one of the A and E departments covered by the investment to which I have referred is at Kingston hospital, which will receive £2 million for accident and emergency redevelopment. That is, by some way, the largest sum for any London hospital. The way in which the accident and emergency money will be invested across London depends very much on what will make the biggest impact on the quality of service in each hospital. In four cases, X-ray facilities will be improved. In five cases, facilities such as medical assessment units or observation wards will be improved, which will reduce the waiting times for admission. In other cases, there will be additional treatment rooms or cubicles. We are taking the appropriate measures in each of the hospitals concerned to make the biggest possible impact on accident and emergency waiting times.
§ Mr. Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge)Does the Minister agree that matters will improve in London's accident and emergency departments only with the support and collaboration of the junior doctors who work in them round the clock? Is it not obvious from the proceedings of the British Medical Association conference this week that the Secretary of State has forfeited the confidence of junior and senior doctors? Would it not be in the best interests of the national health service in London if he were to let someone else rebuild that confidence?
§ Mr. DenhamI am pleased to pay tribute to junior doctors and the role that they play in our hospitals; I met them recently and we had constructive discussions. I am as anxious as they are to ensure that improvements continue to be made in their working conditions and working hours, and in the other matters that affect the conditions of their rest periods. That is a promise that we are determined to see through. My right hon. Friend has led on it since he became Secretary of State and we shall continue to honour it.