§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what consultations he has had with the chairmen of acute hospitals, trusts and health authorities in relation to the closure of acute hospitals to emergency medical intakes since 1 November; what statistics he has collected on the number of occasions of such intake closures; and if he will make a statement; [1329]
(2) what consultations he has had with chairmen of acute hospitals, trusts and health authorities in Wales in relation to the assessment of the need for emergency medical intake beds, and the availability of such beds since 1 November. [1330]
§ Mr. HagueThe management of emergency medical intake is primarily an operational issue for health authorities and trusts, on which statistics are not held centrally by my Department. However, to assist with its management, the Welsh Office some months ago commissioned a review of referral practices and I expect the results to be available shortly. In the meantime, discussions between my Department and the NHS are taking place. I expect them to identify action which will address the issue.