§ Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the annual cost to the community of accidents resulting in death or serious injury.
§ Mr. MoyleNo estimate exists of the cost to the community of accidents, irrespective of their cause, that result in death or serious injury. Such accidents will probably be dealt with in the NHS by the emergency ambulance service and the accident and emergency departments of hospitals. The revenue cost of these services in England during the year ending 31st March 1976—the latest for which figures are available—was:
- (a) Emergency ambulance service—£18.91 million; and
- (b) Accident and emergency departments of the hospital service—£66.86 million.
§ Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking to reduce death or permanent disablement following accidents.
§ Mr. MoyleAs resources permit, health authorities are developing a national network of major hospital accident and emergency units staffed and 389W equipped to provide a 24-hour service for the treatment of accident victims. Additionally, with the advice of the standing medical advisory committee, health authorities are being encouraged to continue and improve the training of ambulance men in emergency care.