HC Deb 17 May 1999 vol 331 cc632-3
30. Ms Claire Ward (Watford)

If he will make a statement on the provision of medical facilities at the millennium experience. [83438]

The Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting (Janet Anderson)

A fully equipped medical centre will be established at the dome. It will be managed and staffed by the local national health service, and wholly funded by the New Millennium Experience Company. The centre will be operational from October 1999, and staffed both during the celebrations on new year's eve and throughout 2000. Plans for the medical centre were agreed following detailed discussions between NMEC, Bexley and Greenwich health authority, Greenwich Healthcare NHS trust, Queen Mary's Sidcup NHS trust, Lewisham Hospital NHS trust, local general practitioners, the London ambulance service and Greenwich council.

Ms Ward

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. What will be the ratio of medical staff to visitors? Does she share my concern that, because of the number of people attending the dome, there may be serious medical problems if many of them require medical assistance? Will she assure the House that she will be keeping the facilities under careful check?

Janet Anderson

I assure my hon. Friend that we shall, of course, be monitoring the situation. As Jennie Page—the NMEC chief executive—said: With more than 12 million people expected to visit the Dome during 2000 and 5,000 staff, we have sought to establish on-site medical care of the highest possible standard. The health and safety of our visitors—including children and senior citizens—is paramount".

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