§ 22. Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the demand on accident and emergency services. [188522]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonA&E attendance numbers are collected and published quarterly. The latest figures were made available on 27 August. There were a total of 4,502,578 new and follow up attendances at major A&Es, minor injury units and walk-in centres between April and June 2004.
§ Mr. Liddell-GraingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact of the changes introduced by the new general medical services contract on accident and emergency admissions in the out-of-hours period. [186512]
§ Mr. HuttonNo information has been put forward to date to the Department suggesting the established pattern of when patients arrive at accident and emergency during each day has generally altered following the changes to the general medical services contract. We are, however, monitoring any possible impact of the changes to the contract on A&E closely and will continue to do so.