HC Deb 01 April 1963 vol 675 cc7-8
21. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Health how far the waiting period has been reduced for patients needing operations, particularly in the North Eastern Metropolitan Hospital Board region.

Mr. Braine

The position varies for different specialties. No general fall is observable.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the Minister aware that there are several cases of patients suffering from very painful afflictions who have to wait for six to nine months? Can he hold out any hope of better or earlier treatment being given to such patients?

Mr. Braine

In certain specialties there is a long back-log but overall no general fall is observable. My right hon. Friend attaches the greatest importance to the drive which hospital authorities have been asked to make to eliminate the back-log. Advice was given to hospitals on 14th March describing methods which have been found effective in reducing the back-log of cases.