§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will publish in theOfficial Report a list of each obstetric unit for each health authority in England and if he will indicate for each unit (a) whether there is a designated consultant anaesthetist whose duties include the organisation of an obstetric anaesthetic service and ensuring that the health authority is fully aware of any deficiencies in this service, (b) whether there is a consultant anaesthetist on call and readily available on a 24 hour, seven day a week basis, (c) whether suitable facilities for the storage of blood exists, (d) whether a quantity of Group 0 Rh-ve blood is held, (e) whether there exists a 24 hour on-request epidural service, (f) whether an anaesthetic audit is undertaken; and (g) whether the equipment required in the labour suite and the obstetric theatre include an emergency electricity supply;
(2) if he will indicate for each obstetric unit in England whether the anaesthetic equipment includes (a) an anaesthetic machine, (b) difficult intubation kit, (c) a DC defibrillator, (d) anaesthetic gas scavenging facilities, (e) an automatic pulmonary ventilator with disconnect alarm and (f) refrigerator for the storage of drugs;
(3) if he will indicate for each obstetric unit in England whether there is (a) an ECG monitor with recorder, (b) an inspired oxygen concentration meter, (c) an automatic blood pressure measuring device, (d) an end tidal carbon dioxide meter, (e) a peripheral nerve stimulator, (f) apparatus for measuring central venous pressure, (g) pulse aximeter, (h) blood storage refrigerator, (i) pressure infusion bags, (j) a blood warming device, (k) blood filters, (l) neonatal resuscitation equipment that includes a temperature measuring device; and (m) neonatal equipment for maintaining the temperature of the neonate.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe information requested is not collected centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The Maternity Services Advisory Committee in 1984 provided guidance to health authorities on the equipment to be included in new delivery suites and in the upgrading of existing buildings. This guidance, which has been commended to health authorities, is followed wherever possible. The functioning of obstetrics departments is a matter for the health authority concerned.