HC Deb 28 January 1986 vol 90 cc783-4
6. Sir John Farr

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average waiting time for hip replacement operations at the Leicester city general hospital; and how this compares with the waiting time for such operations nationally.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Services (Mr. Ray Whitney)

Such local information is not routinely held by the Department. I understand that the typical waiting time for hip replacement operations at the Leicester city general hospital is currently 24 weeks. The corresponding figure for England in 1983, the latest year for which figures are available, is also 24 weeks.

Sir John Farr

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that reply. However, will he redouble his efforts to improve that waiting time and to speed up the admission of patients, especially elderly people who so often need that type of operation? As there is much harassment and stress involved in waiting, will he do his utmost to shorten the waiting time even more?

Mr. Whitney

One of our objectives is to reduce the waiting time for hip replacement operations. That is one of the four priorities in the development of the acute sector services.

I understand that during the next three months the Leicester health authority is to appoint a resource manager. One of his principal functions will be to improve waiting times for hip operations.

Mr. Dobson

Does the Minister accept that he is totally misleading the House by quoting the figure of 24 weeks — [Interruption.] It is clear that members of the Government mislead the House practically every day—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That touches upon the honour of hon. Members. The hon. Gentleman must withdraw that remark.

Mr. Skinner

On a point of order—

Mr. Speaker

No.

Mr. Skinner

My hon. Friend has not been specific. That is not in "Erskine May." Do not withdraw.

Mr. Speaker

Will the hon. Gentleman please withdraw his allegation?

Mr. Dobson

If my remark was out of order, I withdraw it. Will the Minister confirm that 24 weeks is the median time? His written answers to my questions show that the mean average, which is what most people consider to be the average, is 35 weeks. Will he confirm that the figure is 35 weeks nationally and 35 weeks in Leicester?

Mr. Whitney

Through several written answers I sought to explain to the hon. Gentleman why the median time is used.

Mr. Skinner

Twister.

Mr. Whitney

It has been used as the routine method of giving the best indication of waiting time. That was the method used by the Labour Government and by this Government. Median time gives the clearest indication, free of the distortions that a few atypical incidents can create. Fifty per cent. of patients wait less than the median time.