§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to ensure that staffing levels within casualty departments in national health service hospitals in Scotland are increased; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythA variety of factors must be taken into account in determining appropriate staffing levels. The Government encourage health boards to ensure that staffing levels in all hospital departments including accident and emergency departments are established through the application of structured assessment methods.