§ 34. Maria EagleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to ensure that NHS trusts in Liverpool are able to meet the challenge of providing emergency cover over the millennium period. [88272]
§ Mr. DenhamA Liverpool and North Mersey Emergency Services Action Group has been established to develop further a whole systems strategy for primary and secondary services across Liverpool and North Merseyside to ensure that health authorities, National Health Service trusts and general practitioners work together cohesively and make best use of available resources during next winter and the millennium holiday period. Additionally, NHS Direct, the telephone advice service, is expected to be fully operational in Liverpool and North Merseyside in December and this will provide additional support to enable health care systems across Liverpool and North Merseyside to cope better next winter.