HC Deb 16 July 1992 vol 211 cc912-3W
Ms. Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if she will make a statement on the level of staffing of junior doctors at Southmead health care trust, Bristol and the current number of hours they are required to work;

(2) if she will take action to ensure that full houseman cover is available at Southmead health care trust.

Mr. Sackville

The appropriate level of medical staffing is a matter for the trust to determine, having regard to the ceilings set in "Achieving a Balance" and the advice given in "The New Deal on Junior Doctors' Hours".

Ms. Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the proposed closure of the paediatric renal unit at Southmead health care trust, Bristol.

Mr. Sackville

I understand that in the light of representations which have been made about the proposed closure of the unit, the Southmead health services trust has decided to re-examine the decision to close it. A further review of the options for the future of the unit will now be carried out and it will stay open, at least until the review is complete.

Ms. Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will call for a full report from the Southmead health care trust, Bristol on representations made to the trust management by doctors on emergency medical cover in the hospital.

Mr. Sackville

I understand that the chief executive of the Southmead trust has asked the acting director of operations to undertake an immediate inquiry into the allegations about patient deaths. I am confident that the trust board will take whatever further action is necessary.