§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement on the stocks of blood available in Southern England.
§ Mr. SnowThere was a temporary shortage over the Chirstmas and new year period and some hospitals were obliged to postpone non-urgent operations. I understand that the situation has improved and the stocks of blood are now becoming adequate.
§ Mr. Moyleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) to what extent there is a shortage of supplies of blood in the Lewisham Hospital Group; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is the number of occasions in the last six months that hospitals in the Lewisham Group have either had to refuse or postpone treatment due to shortages of blood supplies.
§ Mr. SnowIn the period after Christmas 14 non-urgent operations were postponed for longer than 24 hours. In the six months before that, approximately 20 non-urgent operations were postponed. No urgent operations have been refused or postponed. During the past week blood supplies have much improved, and I understand that there is at present no shortage in the Group.