§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is aware that there have been suspensions of the casualty service at Essex hospitals owing to shortage of staff; what help and advice his Department are giving to remedy this; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Crossman:I am aware that there have been suspensions of the casualty ser- 628W vice at certain Essex Hospitals owing to shortage of medical staff.
The casualty service at Connaught Hospital, Walthamstow, was suspended from 26th March to 30th March. An alternative service was provided during this time by Whipps Cross Hospital.
St. Margaret's Hospital, Epping and Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, suspended their casualty services on alternative nights from 11th May to 22nd May. But when one casualty department was closed the other was open to provide a service for the area.
St. Andrew's Hospital, Billericay, will provide only a daytime service 5 days a week from 27th May during the leave of a member of the medical staff. An alternative service is being provided at Orsett Hospital.