§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he will call together representatives of health authorities, consultants, and the London ambulance service to discuss the crisis in accident and emergency services in London hospitals;
(2) how many hospitals in Greater London are currently turning away ambulance cases because of a shortage of beds or nursing staff.
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§ Mr. MoyleI do not accept that there is a crisis. In the last three months, of 61 accident and emergency departments in London the number closed at any one time varied between none and 16 and the average was four or five per day. The problem is essentially one of co-ordination to ensure that departments near to each other do not close at the same time and that the Ambulance service is kept informed of closures. My Department is arranging to discuss with health authorities and the London ambulance service the steps necessary to improve co-ordination.