§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action has been taken by the North West Thames regional health authority to speed up hip replacement operations; what was the percentage increase in total hip replacements over the period 1980 to 1984; and how this compared with the national increase.
§ Mr. NewtonThe requested information is given in the table.
Estimated number of operations for total hip replacement or other arthroplasty of hip, NHS hospitals Estimated number Percentage change 1980–84 1980 1984 N W Thames Regional Health Authority 1,770 2,350 + 32.8 England 33,420 37,970 + 13.6 My hon. Friend may wish to contact the chairman of the North West Thames regional health authority for further information on its policy for hip replacement operations.