§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines have been issued by his Department to local social services departments concerning contingency plans for the rehabilitation of disabled service men and women injured during the Gulf war.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Mid-Kent (Mr. Rowe) on 5 February at column154.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, under Operation Granby, how many health authorities 511W have been directed to refuse non-emergency admissions to hospitals; how many such refusals have been made to date; if he will make funds available to enable wards and beds closed temporarily and permanently to be reopened, so that non-emergency admissions may be made in addition to any Gulf casualties; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellNo health authority has been directed to refuse non-emergency admissions to hospitals. The national health service should get sufficient notice of casualties to enable hospitals to cope without emptying beds in advance. It will be for health authorities to decide whether wards not currently operational will need to be reactivated to receive casualties from the Gulf.
As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 16 January, the Government are providing extra money to meet the full costs of any Gulf casualties. We have told health authorities that they should spend what is necessary and we have given guidance on how to account for and reclaim Gulf costs.
§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has on the cancellation of operations by the national health service because of the Gulf crisis; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellNone. The national health service should get sufficient notice of casualties to enable hospitals to cope without emptying beds or cancelling operations at the present time.