§ 34. Mr. McBrideasked the Minister of Health in view of the centralisation of the traumatic service in the Glantawe Hospital Board area at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, what is the number of senior consultant anaesthetists permanently based there; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LoughlinThere are two consultant anaesthetists based at Morriston Hospital and, in addition, three consultants based in the Glantawe Hospital Management Committee area hold regular weekly sessions there. The Welsh Hospital Board is at present considering the relative priorities of the need for additional consultant anaesthetists in Wales.
§ Mr. McBrideDoes my hon. Friend consider that the number of three senior consultant anaesthetists is sufficient for all eventualities? Is he aware that, in view of the centralisation of the traumatic service at Morriston Hospital, it means that 700 cases are handled there a year, and does he not think that there should be an increase in the level of consultants to lighten the load on the staff?
§ Mr. LoughlinThe Welsh Hospital Board is reviewing the medical staff and considering the appointment of additional consultants at Glantawe Hospital, but I ought to tell my hon. Friend that Glantawe is not regarded as one of the areas in which there is an extreme shortage of consultants, and in practice it compares favourably with other parts of Wales.