HC Deb 31 January 1972 vol 830 cc47-8W
Dame Joan Vickers

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average waiting time for non-urgent operations in the Plymouth and district hospitals.

Mr. Alison

I regret that information in the form requested is not available. Waiting time depends on the circumstances of the individual case and an average figure would have little meaning.

Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average period that National Health Service patients have to wait for admission to hospitals under the control of the Southampton Group Hospital Management Committee for hernia operations; and what is the equivalent period for those patients who visit consultants as fee-paying patients.

Mr. Alison

The information for National Health Service patients is not readily available in this form. As regards private patients admission is a matter for individual arrangement between the patient and the consultant of his choice.

Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the size of the current waiting list for hernia operations in the area provided for by the Southampton Group Hospital Management Committee.

Mr. Alison

463.