§ Mr. George Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if there is an administrative ruling to cover a situation where a patient requiring emergency treatment attends a hospital that does not have an accident and emergency unit, or has one that is closed at the particular time, which governs the necessity of the hospital staff concerned providing emergency treatment.
§ Mr. MoyleHealth authorities have been advised that if a patient presents himself at a hospital which is not providing an accident and emergency service, essential first aid should be given by the staff available. The patient should then be referred to a general medical practitioner or transferred to an accident and emergency department at another hospital.