§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has received about the regional health authority proposals for the future of the casualty department at Newmarket Hospital.
§ Dr. OwenThis is primarily a matter for the Suffolk Area Health Authority. It was found by the area health authority in 1975 that a safe and satisfactory 603W accident and emergency service could no longer be maintained at Newmarket Hospital on a 24-hour, 7-days a week basis. Following consultations with the Bury St. Edmunds Health District Community Health Council and other interested parties the AHA decided to provide a Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. service at the Newmarket accident and emergency department. I understand that the AHA has no plans to alter the service. It is its wish to maintain the existing Monday to Friday service, and a request has been made for a registrar post.
§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when a registrar is to be appointed to the casualty department at Newmarket Haspital to enable it to function normally.
§ Dr. OwenI understand that the service is presently functioning normally and that a registrar would only be necessary to replace a present member of staff when he leaves at the end of this year. The application for a registrar post has been referred to the Central Manpower Committee for its advice, and will be considered by it this month.