§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) on how many occasions Welsh district general hospitals have been closed to new medical emergency patients during the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement; [6540]
(2) what plans he has to ensure the adequacy of provision of emergency medical intake beds during winter months. [6539]
§ Mr. HagueThis information is not held centrally.
I am committed to ensuring that action is identified to ease the pressure on hospitals as a result of unexpected increases in emergency medical admissions.
My officials met senior NHS managers and health professionals on 7 December 1995 to measure the true extent and cause of the problem and to identify a response. The meeting resulted in agreement on a range of practical measures to minimise this risk of hospitals closing to emergency patients over the coming months.
I will be monitoring the position closely over the next few months.