§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what emergency casualty services are available at St. Bartholomew's hospital, London, at night; what representations he has received about services provided by the hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanSt. Bartholomew's hospital maintains a full 24-hour accident and emergency service. Various representations have been made to me about certain reductions in some of the hospital's services as part of the economy measures taken by the City and East London AHA(T). Health authorities are required to plan their expenditure to keep within their cash limits. They are expected to look at their priorities carefully and to make any savings necessary in ways which will do the least damage to patient services.