§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the recommended size of population that each accident and emergency-casualty unit in (a) city areas, (b) suburban areas and (c) country areas is supposed to serve.
§ Dr. OwenHealth authorities have been advised that major accident and emergency departments should serve a population of at least 150,000. In main urban areas departments often serve a larger population; there may also be areas where the populations served are less.
§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will detail the exact procedure to be followed by an area health authority before it removes existing accident facilities from a hospital or clinic (a) temporarily and (b) permanently.
§ Dr. OwenI am sending the hon. Member a copy of a circular of guidance issued to health authorities in October 1975 on the closure or change of use of health buildings.
§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is considered the maximum desirable journey distance and journey time that ambulances should have to travel with emergencies to reach casualty facilities in urban areas.
§ Dr. OwenNo such maximum journey distance or time has been laid down by my Department. In emergencies ambulances are expected to proceed to the nearest accident and emergency department as speedily as possible taking into account the patient's condition.