§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence she has on how many patients die en route to other hospitals because their local hospital does not have sufficient intensive or coronary care unit beds.
§ Mr. SackvilleInformation on the diversion of intensive or coronary care cases is not available centrally. We are aware of the three tragic deaths of Manchester patients and understand that North Western regional health authority is holding discussions with district health authorities to examine whether the level of intensive care provision in Manchester is set at an appropriate level.
242WThe Government are currently funding a study by the Royal College of Anaesthetists into access to intensive care nationally.