§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the average waiting time for admission to National Health Service hospital beds in Walsall for a (a) hernia and (b) tonsillitis operations when the patient has been examined by a consultant under the NHS;
(2) what is the average waiting time for admission to a NHS hospital bed in Walsall for (a) hernia and (b) tonsillitis operations when the patient has been examined by a consultant as a private patient.
§ Dr. OwenThe average number of weeks waited by patients who received treatment under the National Health Service in Walsall in 1973 was 30.2 for inguinal hernia and 61.4 for hypertrophy of tonsils and adenoids. Cases of clinical necessity are admitted immediately.
Information about private consultations is not available.