§ 31. Mr. Boardmanasked the Minister of Health if he will state the average waiting time between diagnosis and treatment of people requiring thoracic surgery in the area of the Manchester Regional Hospital Board.
§ Miss PittThe waiting period varies according to the facilities available and the urgency and type of case. With permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the approximate waiting times for thoracic surgery at the hospitals concerned in the area.
§ Mr. BoardmanIn view of the fact that the benefits of early diagnosis are being completely lost because of this time lag, will not the Minister act quickly to try to expand this service both in respect of professional services and of accommodation? This is a very serious matter in one of the most highly industrialised areas in the country.
§ Miss PittThere has been some reduction by the Regional Hospital Board in its proposals for thoracic surgery beds. This is due to a very hopeful reduction in the number of tuberculosis cases. The hon. Member will be glad to learn that the board appointed another thoracic surgeon in September.
§ Following are the details: