§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many patients have had to sleep overnight in beds in accident and emergency bays at Broomfield hospital, Chelmsford, in the last 36 days; [98521]
(2) how many patients have had to sleep overnight on trolleys in the Accident and Emergency Department of Broomfield hospital, Chelmsford, in the last 36 days; [98520]
(3) what has been the (a) longest time and (b) average time patients have had to sleep (i) on trolleys or (ii) in beds in the Accident and Emergency Department at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, in the last 36 days. [98522]
§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action is being taken to ensure no patients have had to sleep(a) on trolleys or (b) in beds in the accident and emergency department of Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford. [98523]
§ Ms StuartThe winter plan developed by the North Essex health economy has been assessed as low risk by Eastern Regional Office in all areas monitored. This indicates that plans are in place to ensure that there is adequate provision to deal with anticipated demand. The National Health Service trust is working closely with social services and primary care to ensure that this is implemented.
An important part of this is an assessment unit funded from accident and emergency modernisation funds which the NHS trust is to open in its accident and emergency department. Total allocation to Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust is £845,000.