HC Deb 04 July 2002 vol 388 cc581-2W
Sir Michael Spicer

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients have been treated at the Minor Injuries Unit of Pershore Community Hospital in the last 12 months. [66862]

Mr. Lammy

Between May 2001 and May 2002 (latest available figures) the number of patients treated at Pershore community hospital minor injuries unit was 4,132.

Source:

South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust.

Sir Michael Spicer

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost of running the Minor Injuries Unit of Pershore Community Hospital has been in the last 12 months. [66861]

Mr. Lammy

In the last financial year the running cost of the minor injuries unit at Pershore Community Hospital was £57,000.

Source:

South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust.

Sir Michael Spicer

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps have been taken to find substitutes for staff whose illness has caused the closure of the minor injuries unit at Pershore community hospital. [66864]

Mr. Lammy

I am advised that south Worcestershire primary care trust is actively seeking substitute nursing staff with appropriate qualifications and experience in minor injuries from the in-house nursing bank, national and local nursing agencies and an advertising campaign.

Sir Michael Spicer

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff have been affected by illness resulting in the closure of the minor injuries unit at Pershore community hospital; and for how long there has been a shortage of staff resulting in its closure. [66865]

Mr. Lammy

Two staff with clinical expertise in minor injuries went on long-term sick leave at the same time. Following this the minor injuries unit was temporarily closed by South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust on 1 June 2002, on the grounds of clinical safety.

Sir Michael Spicer

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how long he estimates that the minor injuries unit of Pershore community hospital will be closed. [66863]

Mr. Lammy

I am advised that, due to staff shortages, the minor injuries unit of Pershore community hospital was closed on 1 June 2002. The unit will reopen when nursing staff with appropriate experience and qualifications in minor injuries are recruited or when the existing staff, currently on long-term sick leave, return. This temporary closure is being reviewed by the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust on a weekly basis.

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