HC Deb 05 March 1956 vol 549 cc1707-8
45. Mr. W. R. Williams

asked the Minister of Health how many patients were on the waiting list for orthopaedic treatment, at the nearest convenient date, in the Oldham Royal Infirmary; what delay occurs in admitting patients; and how this compares with other orthopaedic departments within the region.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Five hundred and twenty-seven, on 29th February, on a joint waiting list with the General Hospital. Emergencies are admitted immediately and urgent cases in a few weeks. Men not needing treatment urgently wait up to three months and women up to two-and-a-half years. At other centres the average wait is about three months.

Mr. Williams

Is the hon. Lady aware that in a recent communication from the orthopaedic department of this hospital a constituent of mine was told that only patients whose names were entered on the waiting list on 1st March, 1953—I repeat, 1953—are being admitted? I cannot therefore reconcile that with the reply of the hon. Lady that they are waiting up to a period of three months; can she reconcile it?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The hon. Gentleman must be referring to a case which, according to the medical opinion of the hospital, was not considered to be in need of urgent treatment. In the case of a woman the waiting list is longer, but if the hon. Gentleman says a much longer wait was required, I will certainly look into the matter again.

Mr. Williams

Is the hon. Lady aware that a case was brought to my notice today of a man with a slipped disc who has been waiting since October, 1955? The man is in great pain, and nothing is being done for him.

Dr. Summerskill

The hon. Lady has revealed another category of patients who wait two-and-a-half years before being admitted to hospital. Will she say whether that reflects the position all over the country, or is it special to the constituency of my hon. Friend?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I did say that in other centres the average waiting time is three months; but five more beds for females were provided last December to try to reduce the long waiting list for women at this hospital.

Mr. Williams

As I regard the Answer of the hon. Lady as unsatisfactory, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise this matter on the Adjournment.