HC Deb 20 July 1977 vol 935 cc623-4W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to restore the weekend service at the casualty department at Lymington Hospital; if he will, if necessary, transfer temporarily a senior house officer from Southampton or Poole until a permanent replacement is again available; and if he will give an assurance that it is not his intention to sanction any diminution of the casualty service at Lymington Hospital.

Mr. Moyle

The weekend cover for the Lymington Hospital casualty department is normally provided by a rota of four senior house officers, but at present one post is vacant. On 9th and 10th July it was not possible to find a locum to cover for the vacancy and the casualty department was closed on both nights. The vacancy will be filled at the begin- ning of August, and no further difficulties are anticipated. The Hampshire Area Health Authority (Teaching) has no plans to reduce the casualty service provided at Lymington Hospital.