HL Deb 31 October 1988 vol 501 cc73-4WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why waiting lists for orthopaedic and eye treatment in the Worcester Health District lengthened between June 1987 and June 1988, while those for other specialities have been reduced.

Lord Hesketh

I understand from the district that the waiting list overall in Worcester fell by about 12 per cent. between June 1987 and June 1988, including a 49 per cent. reduction in the gynaecology list. Against that general downward trend, there were increases in the specialities of ophthalmology and orthopaedics.

Part of the ophthalmology increase was caused, I understand, by the unexpected resignation last May of one of the three consultants. He was replaced by a locum in July. The orthopaedic list is a different case. The district is treating about the same numbers of patients but the list has continued to rise. The district has therefore set in hand a thorough review of its orthopaedic service with the aim of identifying ways of tackling the backlog.