§ Dr. PughTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the Department recommends a minimum(a) distance and (b) travel time for the safe transit of children to a NHS accident and emergency unit. [117764]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Department of Health does not recommend a minimum distance and travel time for children attending an accident and emergency unit. This will be subject to clinical judgement and local circumstances. Children need access to the closest unit which offers appropriate initial assessment and treatment. Where there is need for paediatric intensive care or other specialist intervention following the child's resuscitation and stabilisation, then onward transfer to a unit specialising in this form of care, and offering the best achievable outcome for the child, will be arranged.