§ 22. Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the discontent in the ambulance services; and whether he is prepared to incorporate the National Ambulance Service into the National Health Service.
§ Mr. Bevan:It will be my object when the National Health Service is established to try and ensure an efficient and contented service in all areas.
§ 23. Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the L.C.C. frequently send out ambulances 469W with only the driver and no attendant; that the relatives have to assist in the removal of the patient; and if he will give instructions that no ambulance shall he sent out without another person accompanying the driver.
§ Mr. Bevan:The administration of the London County Council ambulance service is the responsibility of the council, and I have no authority to issue directions in the matter. I am informed, however, that two men are sent with L.C.C. ambulances except where this is clearly unnecessary.
§ 24. Mr. Messerasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the danger of allowing E.M.S. ambulances to carry patients with no nurse or other person in attendance; that many cases, especially stretcher cases, cannot be taken from an ambulance without skilled assistance; and if he will arrange that in future all E.M.S. ambulances shall have an attendant in addition to the driver.
§ Mr. Bevan:The provision of a nurse or qualified attendant for every ambulance case is not absolutely essential, and at present the shortage of nurses makes it impracticable. An attendant is provided to an E.M.S. ambulance dealing with a stretcher case, and a nurse or qualified escort accompanies in other cases where this is considered necessary.