Hospital Services (West London) Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department of Health and Social Care
Karen Buck
Main Page: Karen Buck (Labour - Westminster North)Department Debates - View all Karen Buck's debates with the Department of Health and Social Care
(12 years, 5 months ago)
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Mr Slaughter
I give way to my hon. Friend and will give way to the Minister in a moment.
Ms Buck
I am grateful to my hon. Friend. He was with me when we met representatives of north-west London recently and were advised that the number of A and E attendances is rising by about 10% a year. Does he agree that, even for those of us who agree that in an ideal world, we would reduce unnecessary A and E admissions through the provision of quality care in the community, it is wrong to propose the closure of A and E units before we have a demonstrable improvement in the community facilities that would allow for that reduction in unnecessary A and E admissions?
Mr Slaughter
Indeed, and I will come on to that when I talk about the process and history of the closure of services.