§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his Department's policy with regard to the provision of accident services, on whether the public should be encouraged to go to general practitioners with minor injuries rather than to hospitals and on the types of injuries which should preferably be dealt with by hospital accident units; and whether the Department will organise a campaign to inform the public of its policy.
§ Mr. AlisonThe primary rôle of hospital, accident and emergency services is to treat seriously ill and injured patients. People with minor injuries and ailments should go to their own doctor if possible rather than direct to a hospital; he can best decide whether hospital treatment is needed. This message is included in the leaflet "Help your Doctor" which is made available by the Department to all general practitioners. I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend. The Department has also provided a poster for display in accident and emergency departments, and, in addition, two television fillers are in course of production.