§ 44. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of Stale for Social Services if he will take steps to end the shortage of hospital beds available for early and immediate admission into London hospitals for examination of medical complaints, in view of the fact that many persons have to wait for six months to gain admission; and what categories of persons can obtain hospital admission within 24 hours for a medical check-up.
§ Dr. VaughanThe provision of acute hospital services in London is a matter for the relevant area health 321W authorities. The decision on whether or not to admit a patient to hospital is for a responsible hospital doctor to take and the degree of urgency will be determined by clinical and other factors.