HC Deb 13 February 1968 vol 758 cc1134-6
22. Mr. Hunt

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to discourage tonsillectomy in the light of recent evidence, details of which have been sent to him, that such operations are often unnecessary.

27. Mr. Cronin

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that a large and increasing number of doctors and consultants are of the opinion that a substantial proportion of the 150,000 tonsil operations performed per year on children in National Health Service hospitals at a cost of£3 million annually with occasional fatal results are unnecessary; and if he will set up an inquiry or a research team to investigate the matter.

Mr. K. Robinson

I am aware that some doctors think that tonsillectomy is often performed on children without sufficient reason, but it is not my function to advise doctors on the exercise of their clinical judgment.

The question of clinical research into tonsillectomy has been referred to the Medical Research Council.

Mr. Hunt

Will the Minister agree that it is a disturbing fact that 30 per cent. of the children who now go into hospital go in for tonsillectomy which many experts regard as unwise and unnecessary? Will he try to do more to dissuade both doctors and parents from indulging in this expensive fad which is monopolising valuable Health Service facilities which could be more usefully employed in the ear, nose and throat sphere?

Mr. Robinson

I would not want to go further than to say that there is a division of opinion within the medical profession on this matter. It is not for me to tell doctors the operations that they should perform. However, I shall be guided by any findings which the Medical Research Council may produce as a result of the reference of the research aspect to it.

Mr. Cronin

While strongly in favour of the Minister not interfering with the clinical judgments of members of the medical profession, may I ask him to bear in mind that a recent survey in Australia showed that 40 per cent. of children who had tonsillectomy had no symptoms long before they reach the tonsillectomy stage? If there is such a proportion approaching that figure in this country, it is his duty to protect these unfortunate children from dangerous and unnecessary experiences.

Mr. Robinson

My hon. Friend, who is a distinguished member of the medical profession, is asking me to protect people against the medical profession. As I said before, I would not want to go further than to say that there are differences of view, but I think it is a matter that probably needs to be looked into.

Mr. Lubbock

Is the Minister aware that costs of hospitalisation for the removal of tonsils is running at£6 million and not£3 million, as mentioned in Question No. 27? Will he seriously look into the variations in the length of stay for the operation between different regional boards, which are not explicable on any clinical ground?

Mr. Robinson

They are explicable according to the judgment of the individual surgeon. Some surgeons are happy to discharge children the second day after the operation. Others insist on keeping them in, and think it is only safe to do so, for six days. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that my information about the cost coincides with that of my hon. Friend. I understand that it is£3 million a year.

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