HC Deb 07 April 2003 vol 403 c101W
Dr. Fox

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what impact the deployment of NHS professionals to the Gulf has had on the provision of services in accident and emergency departments. [106636]

Mr. Hutton

So far, the impact on the provision of services in accident and emergency departments across the National Health Service as a whole resulting from the deployment of NHS professionals to the Gulf has been minimal. The Department is working closely with the Ministry of Defence and the NHS to ensure this continues to be the case.

Dr. Fox

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how he expects the deployment of NHS staff to the Gulf to affect levels of NHS activity. [106637]

Mr. Hutton

The Department has worked with the Ministry of Defence and the National Health Service to put in place contingency arrangements designed to minimise the impact of the deployment of NHS staff to the Gulf. It is expected that levels of NHS activity will be maintained.