Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the safe operational capacity of Basildon Hospital’s Accident and Emergency department, including of (a) staffing levels, (b) the physical estate and (c) patient flow.

We recognise the importance of ensuring that emergency departments operate safely and effectively. Assessments of staffing levels, the physical estate, and patient flow are matters for local National Health Service trusts, in partnership with integrated care boards, who are best placed to manage services in line with local needs and circumstances.

Nationally, NHS England sets standards for emergency care and provides guidance to support trusts in maintaining safe staffing and patient flow.

We work closely with NHS England to monitor performance and provide additional support where needed, including investment in urgent and emergency care capacity and initiatives to improve patient flow.