HC Deb 27 October 1987 vol 121 cc151-2
2. Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the progress of hip replacement operations under the National Health Service.

The Secretary of State for Social Services (Mr. John Moore)

In 1978 there were 28,000 such operations in England. By 1985 this had risen to 37,650, an increase of 34 per cent. While the number of operations has increased steadily, so, too, has the demand. We have made it clear to health authorities that hip replacement operations should he regarded as a priority for the development of services in the acute sector. The aim is for 48,000 such operations a year by the year 1990.

Mr. Steen

Although, clearly, many thousands of elderly people have cause to be grateful to the Government for the number of hip replacement operations, is my right hon. Friend aware that there are special problems for elderly people in retirement areas? There is increasing demand there for hip operations, and the special needs of those people must be met if they are not to become prisoners in their own homes. Will my right hon. Friend say something particularly about the Plymouth and Torbay area health authorities, in which I have a special interest because of my constituents?

Mr. Moore

I know that my hon. Friend would thank not the Government, but the excellent National Health Service for the success in this area. I cannot give details but I shall write to my hon. Friend about the specifics on the Torbay and Plymouth areas. In my hon. Friend's region, waiting times have been radically reduced from 32 weeks in 1979 to 22 weeks at present, which is only a fraction above the national average and is a major improvement.

Miss Abbott

Will the Secretary of State issue an instruction to all regional health authorities not to close operating theatres over Christmas, as this would enable a further reduction to be made in the waiting lists?

Mr. Moore

I am not sure how the hon. Lady's question connects precisely with the specific question on hip operations. Obviously, her remarks about the particular management of regions will be drawn to the attention of the region in question.

Mr. Ralph Howell

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Norwich district authority proposes to close the Wells cottage hospital to save £150,000? Is he further aware that—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Does the hon. Member's question deal with hip operations?