HC Deb 11 January 1994 vol 235 cc111-2W
Mr. Mellor

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she has considered Wandsworth borough council's report on the findings of the South West London hospitals review group and the specialty review team's report on plastic and burns as they affect Queen Mary's university hospital, Roehampton; and if she will make copies available in the Library.

Dr. Mawhinney

South West Thames regional health authority considered the views of Wandsworth borough council, the specialty review report on plastics and burns, and the views of other bodies who responded to the South West London hospitals review, before submitting its recommendations to the Department. The report of the South West London hospitals review and the region's recommendations on it are currently being considered by the London implementation group. A copy of Wandsworth borough council's report will be placed in the Library.

Mr. Mellor

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many letters she has received opposing the findings of(a) the specialty review team's report on plastics and burns and (b) the South West London hospitals review group as they affect Queen Mary's university hospital, were 31,278 new attendances at the St. Bartholomew's hospital accident and emergency departments in the 12 months from 1 April 1992 to 31 March 1993.

A sample of these attenders showed that 12 per cent. were suitable for general practitioner care; 36.5 per cent. for care in a minor injuries unit, and 51.5 per cent. for care in a hospital accident and emergency department.

The expected patient flows to other hospitals have been modelled, assuming the alternative facilities announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health on 15 December 1993 are in place. This analysis shows the expected attendances:

Roehampton; and if she will give due consideration to the views of local people when considering the future of the vital services the hospital provides.

Dr. Mawhinney

Ministers received 401 letters concerning Queen Mary's university hospital, Roehampton between 1 August 1993 and 31 December 1993. No decisions will be taken on the future pattern of services at Queen Mary's without careful consideration of all the arguments and proposals put forward. Any proposals to materially change the pattern of services would of course be subject to public consultation.