§ Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider giving financial help to Whittington hospital in London to ensure that it will be able to continue using its laser to stop the bleeding of stomach and duodenal ulcers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. Vaughan:The laser equipment to which the hon. Member refers is being used at the Whittington hospital as part of a research project, co-ordinated with studies at other London hospitals, into the treatment of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage by lasers under fibre control and is on loan from the German manufacturers. I understand the Camden and Islington area health authority (teaching) would normally consider any requests for the purchase of this equipment once the trials have been completed.