§ Sir David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the current arrangements within the National Health Service to ensure the availability of snake vaccine in those parts of the United Kingdom where snakes are prevalent; and what advice about seeking treatment he would give to members of the public who are bitten by snakes.
§ Mr. John PattenSnake bite antivenom serum is commercially available from the suppliers. Health authorities make their own arrangements to order and maintain stocks at accident and emergency departments in appropriate locations. As an additional precaution, stocks of the serum are also available from the national poisons centres at: New Cross Hospital, London; Cardiff Royal Infirmary; Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
Members of the public who are bitten by a snake should seek urgent medical advice from a family practitioner or at a hospital accident and emergency department.