§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals there are to close Burnley General Hospital Accident and Emergency Service due to shortage of medical staff; what plans are being made to accommodate patients; for what periods the service would be closed; what measures are being taken to recruit extra medical staff; and what help his Department is prepared to offer.
§ Mr. MoyleThere is as yet no accident and emergency service at Burnley General Hospital. This is presently provided for the Burnley Health District by the Victoria Hospital, Burnley. The medical370W staffing establishment of the accident and emergency department is for one medical assistant, three senior house officers, and 20 clinical assistant sessions. The three senior house officer posts were unfilled for a short period recently which led the Lancashire Area Health Authority to make contingency plans for selective periodic closure of the accident and emergency department and provision of alternative services in neighbouring districts. This situation did not in fact arise and the three posts are now filled.