HC Deb 19 October 1999 vol 336 c465W
16. Mr. Derek Twigg

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many casualty department modernisation schemes are planned this year to improve facilities for children. [92601]

Ms Stuart

Of the 242 schemes currently under way to modernise and expand accident and emergency departments, 55 include schemes of specific benefit to children. They range from creation of separate children's observation and assessment wards to separate waiting and play areas within the department. They amount to £28,360,000. In most cases, the children's schemes are an integral part of much wider A&E redevelopment schemes and it is not possible to identify the specific costing for the children's element of the schemes. The other 187 schemes, which are more general, will also be of benefit to children and their parents. Their safety, and that of the staff caring for them, will be better safeguarded. In other schemes, children will benefit from new diagnostic and resuscitation equipment.

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