§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason no Warrington-based ambulances were available in Warrington during the weekend of 1 and 2 November 2003; and if he will take steps to ensure that Mersey Regional Ambulance Service do not allow this situation to occur again. [136788]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe shortfall in the number of Warrington-based ambulances in Warrington during 1 and 2 November 2003 was due to the diversion of blue light admissions from Warrington Hospital accident and emergency department. Ambulances were diverted to other hospitals in the area, which included600W Manchester and Stoke. This had a direct impact on the length of time taken for ambulances to return to the Warrington area.
§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Mersey Regional Ambulance Service has taken to develop an effective internal and external communications strategy as recommended by the Commission for Health Improvement; and if he will place a copy of the strategy in the Library. [138444]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 13 November 2003]In July 2002, the Mersey Regional Ambulance Service appointed a communications manager with considerable senior level experience. A review of both internal and external communications has taken place along with a review of the trusts ability to provide effective communications. The trust is currently drawing up its communications strategy. A copy will be placed in the Library when it is completed.
§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Mersey Regional Ambulance Service has taken to arrange with NHS acute trusts locations for ambulance liaison assistants which maintain patient confidentiality. [138445]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 13 November 2003]Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority reports that several initiatives have been taken forward to address this issue. In particular
A major redesign of Aintree Hospital included refurbishment work within the ambulance liaison assistants (ALA) area. This is now more accessible for patients and more suited to their needs. This has also involved a redesign of the office furniture and now all telephone conversations are conducted behind a higher level counter;During the last 12 months a refurbishment project has been carried out by the Countess of Chester Hospital and this included work in the ALA lounge. Specifically, this involved relocating the patient transport service lounge to make it more accessible and more open plan to create a better environment. Telephone conversations are now held in a much more secure environment behind high level counters;Work is also currently ongoing with the Royal Liverpool Hospital. As part of its major entrance redesign, this has included the creation of a purpose built patient discharge and ambulance liaison lounge. This is a confidential environment.Furthermore, recognising the need to work more closely with its hospital partners, the Mersey Regional Ambulance Service National Health Service Trust has recently completed a management restructure, which empowers managers to work on a more integrated basis within the health economy to ensure such projects are taken forward.
§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures have been put in place by Mersey Regional Ambulance Service to ensure that all crews receive information and training on new vehicles prior to their introduction. [138446]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 13 November 2003]A number of procedures ensure that all staff receive training and information on new vehicles prior to their introduction. These are consistent with the Mersey Regional Ambulance Service national health service trust's health and safety policy and supported by the head of training and development.
601WThe trust also operates a vehicle working group, which is made up of managers, staff and trade union representatives. This group agrees the format of all new vehicles and equipment as well as the formal training plan to ensure staff receive appropriate training prior to the vehicles being put into service.
§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place a copy of Mersey Regional Ambulance Service's child protection policy in the Library. [138447]
§ Miss Melanie Johnsonholding answer 13 November 2003]Following the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) action plan, the Mersey Regional Ambulance Service national health service trust agreed to review its current child protection arrangements.
A draft policy is awaiting approval by the trust board. The trust is on target to achieve the timescales of the CHI recommendations. A copy will be placed in the Library in due course.
§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made by Mersey Regional Ambulance Service in developing a plan for the training of staff in clinical audit skills; and if he will place a copy of the plan in the Library. [138448]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 13 November 2003]Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic health authority reports that the Mersey Regional Ambulance Service is developing a trust-wide training programme for frontline staff in clinical audit skills and will incorporate this into the training and education strategy by December 2003.
602W
Department of Health Vacancies Survey, March 2003—Vacanciesin strategic health authority areas and by Government regional office area for qualified midwives—three month vacancy rates, numbers and staff in post Qualified midwives March 2003 September 2002 Three month vacancy rate (percentage) Three month vacancy (number) Staff in post (whole-time equivalent) Staff in post (headcount) England 3.1 572 18,119 23,249 East of England 4.1 60 1,630 2,159 Q01 Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire strategic HA 0.0 — 672 910 Q02 Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire strategic HA 9.1 45 472 605 Q03 Essex strategic HA 3.9 16 486 644 London 7.7 214 2,812 3,601 Q04 North West London strategic HA 4.5 30 633 842 Q05 North Central London strategic HA 10.1 53 498 628 Q06 North East London strategic HA 5.5 31 615 724 Q07 South East London strategic HA 12.2 83 580 769 Q08 South East London strategic HA 4.9 17 487 638 North East 0.8 8 993 1,241 Q09 Northumberland, Tyne and Wear strategic HA 0.3 1 537 675 Q10 County Durham and Tees Valley strategic HA 1.4 6 457 566 Yorkshire and the Humber 2.2 43 1,909 2,321 Q11 North and East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire strategic HA 1.3 7 526 651 Q12 West Yorkshire strategic HA 2.9 26 850 1,021 Q23 South Yorkshire strategic HA 1.8 10 533 649 North West 1.1 33 3,069 3,833 Q13 Cumbria and Lancashire strategic HA 0.3 2 768 985 Q14 Greater Manchester strategic HA 1.4 19 1,310 1,572 Q15 Cheshire and Merseyside strategic HA 1.2 12 991 1,276 A copy of the programme will be placed in the Library when it is completed.