§ Jeremy CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received concerning the possible re-opening of the accident and emergency department at St Bartholomew's hospital; and what response he has given. [36614]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 25 February 2002]: Since 1997 there have been approximately 250 pieces of correspondence concerning the accident and emergency department at St Bartholomew's hospital and ten parliamentary questions.
My right hon. Friend, the Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr. Denham), was presented with an 8, 000 signature petition by the Islington Gazette in March 2001. I met with the hon. Member for Cities of London and Westminster on 23 October 2001.
The Tomlinson and the Turnberg reports confirmed that there was insufficient demand to justify supporting two full service A and E departments at both the St. Bartholomew's and the Royal London sites. There are currently no plans to return A and E services to St. Bartholomew's Hospital. St. Bartholomew's does however, run a minor injuries unit.