Written question asked by Bob Blizzard (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 October 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 28 October 1999. It was answered by Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston (Labour) on Thursday, 28 October 1999 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what proposals he has to cope with future increases in the numbers of people requiring accident and emergency treatment. - Including figures.

Answer: Mr. Blizzard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has to cope with future increases in the numbers of people requiring accident and emergency treatment. [95692] Ms Stuart: Our plans to improve access to National Health Service services are well under way. Earlier this year the Government announced a £115 million programme to modernise, expand and update accident and emergency departments. This significant sum will ensure that all accident and emergency departments in England which need it are being upgraded: in all, over three-quarters of accident and emergency departments in England are benefiting from the programme. Other initiatives which will be beneficial in coping with any future increases include NHS Direct, which enables patients to obtain advice by telephone without delay. By the end of next year, there will be complete coverage of NHS Direct in England. NHS walk-in centres, currently being introduced, are part of our wider plan to modernise and to improve access to and convenience of NHS services. 36 centres across the country will open in 1999-2000, providing quick access to a range of NHS services, including free consultation and treatment of minor injuries, to some 10 million people.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 95692; 336 c968-9W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Finance Modernisation NHS Direct Accident and emergency departments Health centres
Contains statistics: Yes