HC Deb 24 July 1979 vol 971 cc121-2W
42. Mr. Renton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are his current criteria for including an accident and emergency department in a new general hospital.

Dr. Vaughan

Responsibility for the planning and provision of accident and emergency services in a new district general hospital rests with the health authority concerned subject to broad guidelines issued by the Department. Authorities have been advised that major accident and emergency departments should serve a population of at least 150,000; in main urban areas, departments will often serve populations much greater than this.