HC Deb 08 December 1992 vol 215 cc678-9
3. Mr. Knapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hip replacement operations were carried out (a) in 1979 and (b) in 1991.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Mr. Tom Sackville)

The number of hip replacements climbed from 28,788 in 1979 to 44,477 in 1990–91, an increase of 54 per cent.

Mr. Knapman

Does my hon. Friend agree that those excellent figures are testimony to the improvements in the national health service over the past decade? Will he comment on the citizens charter where it is suggested that no one should wait more than 18 months for a hip replacement operation?

Mr. Sackville

I can confirm to my hon. Friend that a target of 18 months has been set and that regional health authorities tell us that they are on target to meet that by April next year. I certainly agree that the operation is wonderful and that it has improved the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of people over the past 20 years.

Ms. Abbott

Is the Minister aware that if he and his colleagues go ahead with the closure of London hospitals outlined in the Tomlinson report, waiting lists in inner London for elective surgery such as hip replacements are bound to grow? Is he aware also that the statistics quoted by the Secretary of State at the Dispatch Box about an excess of beds in London have proved to be unfounded? In the context of the Tomlinson report, is he further aware that London's general practitioners have come out unanimously against the closure of those great teaching hospitals?

Mr. Sackville

I can only tell the hon. Lady that the evidence of the increase in efficiency with which hip operations are carried out all over the country is there for everyone to see. The number of orthopaedic surgeons has increased and the number of staff specialising in orthopaedics has increased from 2,000 to 2,400. It is a success story.

Mr. Lidington

Will my hon. Friend congratulate the orthopaedic teams at Stoke Mandeville hospital in my constituency on the increased treatment that they are providing for patients in my area? Will he also assure the House and my constituents that when the £20 million capital programme proposed for Stoke Mandeville reaches his Department, it will be treated sympathetically and with speed so that top-quality NHS treatment can be assured for my constituents?

Mr. Sackville

I can confirm that. The temporary problems have been matched by a very sharp increase in activity at the hospital over the past year, including in orthopaedics.