§ 8. Mr. James Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of ophthalmologists in Glasgow and Lanarkshire, respectively; and what is the average waiting period for people waiting for tests in both places.
§ Mr. MonroThere are 18 consultant ophthalmologists in Glasgow, 12 of whom are whole-time, five part-time, and one holds an honorary appointment. In Lanarkshire there are four, one whole-time and three part-time. The average waiting period in Glasgow is nine to 10 weeks and in Lanarkshire 36 weeks; but urgent cases are seen with the minimum of delay, and immediately if necessary.
§ Mr. HamiltonWould not the hon. Gentleman agree that the health service is intended to cover the whole country and that on that basis there should not be any frontiers? Would he not agree that, on the basis of information that I have, in some cases people have to wait as long as 15 months before receiving the necessary treatment? Would it not help for some people to be directed to Glasgow where the matter could be dealt with more expeditiously?
§ Mr. MonroI agree that the situation in Lanarkshire needs improvement. The regional hospital board is trying to direct patients who have been waiting a long time to other hospitals in the area where the position is rather better. I am able to say that a further appointment of a consultant for Lanarkshire has been approved.