§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will publish the figures for the number of casualties treated at the Sheppey General Hospital in the last 12 months for which figures are available on a monthly basis.
§ Dr. OwenThe figures are:
New Attendances Total Attendances 1974— October 265 310 November 159 195 December 217 253 1975— January 242 276 February 234 263 March 316 350 April 301 342 May 413 476 June 578 659 July 713 831 August 924 1,064 September 376 452
§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she has received from the hon. Member for Faversham a petition signed by over 5,000 residents of the Isle of Sheppey calling for the reopening of a 24-hour casualty service and of the children's ward at the Sheppey 330W General Hospital; if she will pay due regard to the strength of feeling in support of adequate hospital services for the local community, paying particular attention to the special circumstance of the Isle of Sheppey; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. OwenI have received the petition and fully appreciate the extent of local concern on this issue, although I understand that because of medical staffing requirements the area health authority feels obliged to concentrate such services in larger units in Medway.