§ 72. Mr. A. Royleasked the Minister of Health, what proposals he has for the future of the casualty ward at the Royal Hospital, Richmond; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonI understand that this Casualty Department was recently closed temporarily to facilitate the installation of certain new equipment in the hospital. In addition, shortage of staff which has arisen at Kingston Hospital, the main Accident and Emergency Centre for the area, has made it necessary for the Casualty Medical Officer from Richmond to assist at Kingston. For this latter reason there is no immediate prospect of the Department at Richmond reopening. I am advised that accident and 245W emergency services should be concentrated in a limited number of units fully staffed and equipped for the purpose. Any proposal to close the Casualty Department permanently would be considered in the light of this advice.