HC Deb 03 April 1978 vol 947 cc27-8W
Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to encourage area health authorities to provide a more comprehensive, on-the-spot, service for road accidents resulting in serious injuries.

Mr. Moyle

In accordance with the advice of the Standing Medical Advisory Committee, health authorities are being encouraged to continue and improve the training of ambulance men in the care and transport of patients.

Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make available, as a matter of urgency, the sum of £20,000 to enable the British Association of Immediate Care Schemes to continue its emergency unit when serious road accidents occur;

Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he proposes to support financially the executive council of the British Association of Immediate Care Schemes; what plans there are for his Department to support such schemes locally; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moyle

I refer the hon. Members to my replies to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Ashley) on 23rd March. The information requested from the British Association of Immediate Care Schemes has now been received and an early decision will be taken on the request for a grant. It would not be appropriate for my Department to support local schemes. Health authorities have powers to provide financial help to voluntary bodies operating locally in the health and social services field.

Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimates exist showing the net savings to public funds from the activities of the British Association of Immediate Care Schemes; what net savings would flow from an extension of such schemes nationally; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moyle

I am not aware of the existence of any estimates based on detailed studies. It is therefore not practicable to estimate any savings which might result from an extension of these schemes.

Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many ambulance men have received advanced training to assist them in accident work; what plans exist to extend such training; what funds exist to support training; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moyle

The number of ambulance men who have undertaken courses for advanced training is not known centrally. The basic training for ambulance men is designed to enable them to give the full range of ambulance aid, which includes the care and management of accident victims. As there is as yet no firm evidence that advanced training for ambulance men has made a significant contribution to saving life, with the agreement of the Standing Medical Advisory Committee and the National Staff Committee for Ambulance Staff, health authorities have been advised that, pending further evaluation, such schemes should be regarded as experimental and not extended at present. The cost of existing schemes is met from health authorities' funds.