§ Mr. Douglas Hoggasked the Secreretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he is satisfied with the fact that at Grantham hospital anaesthetic services are provided by locums, (2) what steps have been taken and are about to be taken to review the provision of anaesthetic services at Grantham hospital and to ensure that a shortage of anaesthetists does not require any future closure of departments at that hospital, (3) if he is satisfied with the number of anaesthetists at Grantham hospital; and what he proposes to do in order to increase the number, (4) what steps have been taken to secure the services of a full-time consultant anaesthetist at Grantham hospital; and when is it expected that a full-time consultant anaesthetist will be in post; (5) what is the intended establishment of consultant anaesthetists at Grantham hospital; and when that intended establishment last was met.
§ Dr. VaughanThe medical staffing at Grantham hospital is a matter for Trent regional health authority and Lincolnshire area health authority. I am having inquiries made of the health authorities in response to my hon. Friend's recent letter about the provision of anaesthetic cover in the hospital, and shall write to him when I receive their replies.