HC Deb 08 May 1967 vol 746 cc1041-2
2. Mr. Winnick

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the latest waiting list figures for the Croydon and District group of hospitals; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Snow

The figure was 2,596 for surgical and medical beds, on 31st March, 1967. This shows a decrease from 2,735 a year earlier.

Mr. Winnick

I appreciate the difficulties, but would not my hon. Friend agree that waiting lists still appear rather lengthy, and is he aware that a number of my constituents are having to wait a considerable time to go into local hospitals?

Mr. Snow

Yes, Sir. The position is not all that satisfactory. There has been an improvement in general surgery orthopaedics, and geneto-urenary cases, but a degenerating position in gynaecology and ophthalmology. However, the new X-ray Department which is being constructed may help in some way, and the development of the Mayday Hospital will alleviate the position.

3. Mr. Winnick

asked the Minister of Health what action is being taken to increase hospital facilities in the Croydon, South, constituency area, in view of the continued growth of population in New Addington, Addington and Shirley.

Mr. Snow

Extensive development, costing some £2 million, at Mayday Hospital is planned to start in the period after 1969–70, and an accident department is at present under construction there.

Mr. Winnick

Would not my hon. Friend accept that the combined population of New Addington, Addington, and Shirley is large, and indeed is growing all the time? Will my hon. Friend look into the possibility of a separate hospital to serve these areas?

Mr. Snow

My information does not quite correspond with what my hon. Friend said about population. In so far as Croydon and Warlingham Park Hospital Management Committee area is concerned, there was a slight decrease in population last year. In any event, the Mayday Hospital is being developed as a district general hospital for the area.