§ 37. Mr. Boardmanasked the Minister of Health the waiting time on current lists in the Manchester region for tuberculosis thoracic surgery; and how this compares with other regions.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe period varies from two or three weeks to rather over a year according to the urgency of the case and the centre concerned. Up-to-date comparative figures for other regions are not readily available, but I understand that waiting periods are generally rather less.
§ Mr. BoardmanDoes the Minister agree that the waiting time in the Manchester region is longer than anywhere else in the country and that the delay is due almost entirely to the shortage of specialist surgeons? Will the right hon. Gentleman say what he is doing now to give many unfortunate sufferers in this area an equal chance of recovery, which they have not at the moment?
§ Mr. MacleodThe position is certainly serious, but without notice I should not like to say whether this region is the worst. The most important relief which could be given would be the appointment of extra specialists in thoracic surgery. The hon. Member will be glad to know that an extra one was appointed on 1st June and an additional one will be appointed in the autumn. That will make a substantial contribution to the solution of the problem which the hon. Gentleman has in mind.
§ Dr. SummerskillCan the Minister say whether he periodically brings to the attention of the deans of the various medical schools that there are shortages in these different fields of medicine and surgery?
§ Mr. MacleodNo, I have not con-considered that point. It is a very sound one, and I am glad that the right hon. Lady has raised it. I will see whether it is a suitable method of working.