HC Deb 24 April 1972 vol 835 cc191-2W
Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of patients resident in geriatric wards of hospitals in the London Borough of Wandsworth.

Mr. Alison

On 14th April, 1972, 595 in National Health Service hospitals, and 20 at National Health Service expense in

Under 2 months 2–4 months 4–12 months Over 12 months
General Surgery 351 111 105 17
General Medicine 5
Ear, Nose and Throat (T and A) 119 110 46 1
Ear, Nose and Throat (Other) 72 71 56 29
Gynaecology 169 88 55
Ophthalmology 48 14 7 17
Orthopaedics 52 15 17 12
Dental 56 17
Paediatrics 1
Chest Diseases 4
Dermatology 16 5 4 1
Total 893 431 290 77
Percentages 53 26 17 4

Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps are being taken to reduce the waiting lists for hospital admissions in the Carlisle area.

Mr. Alison

The redevelopment of the Cumberland Royal Infirmary, now in progress, is expected to reduce waiting lists. Meanwhile, the situation is reviewed regularly and beds reallocated where this can provide an interim remedy.

Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the group of hospitals covering the Carlisle area is adequately staffed with consultants; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alison

This group has 37 consultants; in terms of whole-time equivalents, this is 17.6 for each 100,000 population in the group's area. This is slightly higher than the national average of 16.5. The regional hospital board envisages expansion of the medical staffing as new accommodation now under construction at the Cumberland Royal Infirmary comes into use in 1974.

a private hospital under contractual arrangements.