§ Lord Higginsasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 21 February (H.L. Deb., col. 809) regarding deep vein thrombosis, how many of the 25 hospitals referred to in the Answer will have staff continuously on site capable of diagnosing deep vein thrombosis throughout the Easter holiday period; and [HL1054]
Further to the Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 21 February (HL Deb, col. 809) regarding deep vein thrombosis, whether any of the hospitals which will have staff capable of diagnosing deep vein thrombosis on call but not on site throughout the Easter holiday period will automatically have staff called if a patient is suspected of having a deep vein thrombosis. [HL1055]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathAll 31 accident and emergency departments in London have access to equipment and staff to diagnose deep vein thrombosis. Out of the 25 hospitals referred to in my Answer of 21 February (H.L. Deb., col 809) that will have staff available to operate diagnostic equipment out of hours, all will have staff on call who can come in as and when needed. Staff can also stay in National Health Service accommodation if required. It is not necessary to have staff continuously on site. This is normal NHS practice.
Those hospitals that do not have the staff to access the equipment out of normal working hours would generally admit the patient, start treatment and do tests on the first working day. The response by hospitals would vary according to clinical need.