§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many children are now awaiting admission to the cleft palate unit at Booth Hall Children's Hospital; for how long they have been waiting; when was the last admission to that unit; what is the average optimum age for such treatment; how many of the children listed as awaiting admission have passed that optimum age; and how many will do so in the next 12 months.
§ Mr. MoyleThe number awaiting admission and the waiting times on 13th January 1978 were as follows:
PATIENTS AWAITING ADMISSION Time Numbers 0–3 months 24 patients 3–6 months 12 patients 6–12 months 9 patients 1–2 years 0 patients over 2 years 1 patient The last admission to the unit was on 9th January 1978.
The optimum age for treatment depends on the severity of the condition and is a clinical matter to be decided in the light of individual circumstances. Sixteen children currently awaiting admission are considered to have passed the optimum 163W age for their treatment. It is not possible to estimate how many will do so in the next 12 months.
§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the establishment of nurses at Booth Hall Children's Hospital, Manchester; and by how many that establishment would have to be increased in order to ensure that children can again be admitted to the cleft palate unit of plastic surgery at that hospital.
§ Mr. Moyle181.5 nurses—whole-time equivalent—with 46 student nurses. This establishment is considered adequate by the health authorities, and patients continue to be admitted. Although the cleft palate unit was unfortunately closed from 4th July 1977 to 15th January 1978
Act Provisions Remark Children Act 1975 Sections 1, 2, 4–7, 9, 14–16, 18–20, 23–25, 27, 32–55, 60–63 66, 70, 73–81, 95–97, 102. No operative date vet appointed. Sections 21, 22, 28, 58 and 64 Schedules 3 and 4 Not yet wholly [...] operation. Social Security Pensions Act 1975 Sections 1, 4, 5 18, 24, 27, 28, 30(5), 42–49, 58, Schedule 3. Coming into operation 6th April 1978. Sections 26, 30(2) and (3), 32–41, 53–55, 56(1)—(4). Not wholly operative until 6th April 1978. Section 30(1) Not wholly operative until 6th October 1978 but operative for most purposes 6th April 1978. Sections 6–17, 19–21, 23, 29, 59, Schedule 1. Coming into operation 6th April 1979. Sections 65(1) and (3), Schedules 4 and 5. Not wholly operative until 6th April 1979. Section 22 No operative date yet appointed for persons born before 2nd February 1922. The Adoption Act 1976 The whole Act This is a consolidation Act and its commencement is dependent on the coming into operation of the provisions of the Children Act relating to adoption The Social Security (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1977 Section 17(1) Coming into operation 3rd April 1978. Section 1(4), 21, 22(9), (10) and (13) Coming into operation 6th April 1978. Section 17(2) Coming into operation 25th April 1978. Sections 8(1) and (2), 17(6) Coming into operation 6th April 1979