§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to ensure that the Sheffield district health authority retains a full accident and emergency service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Currie[holding answer 3 May 1988]: Management of local health services is the responsibility of the district health authority concerned. The hon. Member may therefore wish to contact the chairman of Sheffield health authority for the information he seeks. However I understand that there has been a rota for
504W
Year Urgent needs payments £ million Maternity grants £ million Death grants £ million Single payments £ million 1974–75 n/a 16 n/a n/a 1975–76 n/a 16 16 n/a 1976–77 n/a 15 n/a n/a 1977–78 n/a 15 n/a n/a 1978–79 n/a 16 16 n/a 1979–80 n/a 16 16 40 1980–81 n/a 16 16 48 1981–82 n/a 16 17 57 1982–83 n/a 16 17 98 1983–84 n/a 17 17 166 1984–85 0.5 18 17 241 1985–86 0.4 17 18 335 1986–87 1.0 14 18 330 accident and emergency services in Sheffield since 1976 and the current rota has been in operation since 1981. Although it has been reviewed from time to time, it is still regarded locally as the most efficient way of serving the city's needs.