HC Deb 06 February 1963 vol 671 cc76-7W
Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Health how many people in the Sheffield Regional Hospital Board area are waiting for heart operations; what is the average waiting time; and to what extent he is satisfied that there are sufficient facilities, machines and specialised medical staff to cope with the demand.

Mr. Braine

181; waiting-time varies according to urgency and type of operation; expansion of the facilities is planned.

Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Health how many people in the country are awaiting heart operations.

Mr. Braine

This information is not recorded centrally.

Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Health why throughout the country people requiring heart operations are subject to long waiting periods; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Braine

Where waiting periods are long, this usually is because the more complex types of operation have only recently been developed.