§ Mr. CollinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to extend services at the Westmorland General Hospital's emergency and minor accident department; [28276]
(2) what change in service levels has taken place at the Westmorland General Hospital's emergency and minor accident department in each of the last five years; [28275]
(3) if he will make a statement on the merits of operating a 24-hour minor accident department at the Westmorland General Hospital; [28273]
(4) how many ambulance emergency cases were taken to the Westmorland General Hospital's emergency and minor accident department in each of the last five years; and how many of these were then taken to Lancaster Royal Infirmary; [28277]
(5) what his plans are for the future of Westmorland General Hospital; and if he will make a statement; [28271]
(6) what assistance he provides to recruit extra staff to work at the Westmorland General Hospital's emergency and minor accident department; [28274]
(7) how many people have been treated at the Westmorland General Hospital's emergency and minor accident department in each of the last five years; and how many of these were treated between the hours of 11.00 pm and 6.00 am; [28270]
(8) if he will ensure that the Westmorland General Hospital's emergency and minor accident department continues to operate on a 24-hour basis; [28278]
(9) what the recommended manpower level is for doctors in an emergency and minor accident department. [28272]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 17 January 2001]: Morecambe Bay Hospitals National Health Service Trust and Morecambe Bay Primary Care Trust intend to review the delivery of emergency and out-of-hours services for residents of South Lakeland. This work will take place with full public involvement and in the context of existing and developing national guidelines, the local 1084W Modernisation review process and relevant staffing considerations. It is anticipated that detailed information of the nature requested will emerge as part of that exercise. A report, with recommendations, will be produced by 31 May 2002, to be considered by the boards of the trust, primary care trust and Cumbria ambulance service. Any proposals for significant variations in existing service provision would, of course, be subject to full public consultation at a later stage.