HC Deb 04 November 1968 vol 772 cc456-7
48. Mr. Farr

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to shorten the waiting period for patients who are advised to consult their gynaecologists at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Mr. Snow

The Sheffield Regional Hospital Board is at present considering how the necessary beds and other facilities could be made available to enable another consultant gynaecologist to be appointed.

Mr. Farr

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some women must wait for more than three months to achieve an appointment with a gynaecologist and that as; a result of this long delay a number of them are having to consult private practitioners?

Mr. Snow

I am sorry if that is the case. As I have explained, a fifth gynaecologist will be arranged to work in this area. I can see that it would be convenient for the hon. Gentleman's constituents to have a peripheral out-patients' clinic; but again, that would put up costs.