§ Mr. Newtonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further charges, if any, are planned in the services provided at St. Michael's Hospital, Braintree, and W. J. Courtauld Hospital, Braintree; and what consultations, if any, are taking place with local 398W general practitioners and the community health council.
§ Dr. OwenThe proposal by the former North East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board that the St. Michael's Hospital, Braintree, and W. J. Courtauld Hospital, Braintree, should become a joint community hospital is being considered by the North-East Thames Regional Health Authority and the Essex Area Health Authority. The local general practitioners were consulted by the regional hospital board in 1973. If proposals for change of use are put forward, there will be full consultation with appropriate bodies, including the newly formed community health council.
§ Mr. Newtonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services on how many occasions in the past two years the casualty department at Notley Hospital, Braintree has been closed; how many emergency cases have in consequence had to be transported elsewhere; and what steps she is taking to remedy the situation.
§ Dr. OwenOn nine occasions, for a total of 51½ days. No information is readily available of the number of emergency cases transported to other hospitals during the closures. The district management team is presently considering the future of the casualty department.