§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the adequacy of accident and emergency facilities in Birmingham, with particular reference to its impact on the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust; and if he will make a statement. [4133]
§ Yvette CooperWe are aware of the recent pressures experienced by accident and emergency departments in Birmingham.
The recent negotiations between Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Health Authority, with the support of the Department, have addressed the situation in relation to delayed transfers of care in Birmingham. All the agencies involved will continue to work together to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to meet any future additional pressure on accident and emergency departments in Birmingham, which will minimise any possible impact on the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals National Health Service Trust.