HC Deb 19 March 1968 vol 761 cc56-7W
38. Mr. Burden

asked the Minister of Health how many of the 80 per cent. of new accident and emergency cases are dealt with in custom-designed and equipped accident and emergency departments that have at least three consultant surgeons available, at least three doctors of intermediate grade and an adequate number of senior house officers to provide a service at all times, day and night.

Mr. Snow

According to an enquiry in 1966, 80 per cent. of new accident and emergency cases were dealt with at 335 centres staffed and equipped to deal with major injuries and other emergencies at any hour of the day or night. Not all these served populations large enough to justify the staff complement indicated by the hon. Member, though 274 bad three or more consultant surgeons. The detailed figures in the precise form the hon. Member requires are not readily available and would take a disproportionate time to extract.