§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what investigations she has carried out into the circumstances which led to the deaths of three Manchester patients following 50-mile ambulance journeys to Blackpool; and what steps she is taking to ensure that there are sufficient intensive care resources in Manchester and Liverpool hospitals to prevent such circumstances from arising in the future;
(2) how many cases involving intensive care treatment in (a) the Liverpool and (b) the Manchester areas have been diverted to hospitals in other areas in each of the past six months; to which areas they have been diverted; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleInformation on the number of diverted intensive care cases is not available centrally. Purchasers of health care are responsible for ensuring the availability of a comprehensive range of services. It is for them to decide, in discussion with providers, how best to meet the need for intensive care facilities within available resources.
It would be inappropriate to comment on the circumstances of the deaths of the three Manchester patients before any possible inquest is held. We understand that North Western regional health authority is holding 140W discussions with district health authorities to establish whether the level of provision of intensive care beds in Manchester matches demand.
The Government are currently funding a study by the Royal College of Anaesthetists into access to intensive care.