§ 45. Mr. Nottasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that a journey between Lands End and the emergency maternity facilities at Redruth or Truro could take up to two hours on the overcrowded roads of West Cornwall in the summer months; whether he is satisfied that a possible travelling time of this length is acceptable for an emergency maternity case; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SnowYes, but it is most unlikely. Where an estimated delay would not be medically acceptable, the patient could be admitted to West Cornwall Hospital, Penzance, pending the arrival of the emergency flying squad.
§ 46. Mr. Nottasked the Minister of Health whether, pending the establishment of emergency maternity facilities in the Penzance area, he will seek to arrange through the courtesy of the Royal Naval Air Station, Culdrose, emergency helicopter facilities for the removal of patients from the Lands End peninsula to Truro in those cases where overcrowded roads could lead to unacceptable delays.
§ Mr. SnowArrangements already exist for the emergency transport of patients by Service helicopters in exceptional circumstances. It is for the local health authority to decide in what circumstances to call upon this form of transport.
§ Mr. Nottasked the Minister of Health whether, in the light of the closure of the maternity beds at St. Michael's Hospital, Hayle, he will consider the setting up of facilities to deal with Caesarian sections and other maternity emergencies in the Penzance area.