Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what areas of specialist medicine or surgery require to be provided for residents of Grampian outwith the area of Grampian health board; how many patients have had to be so treated for each of the years since 1979; what has been the average waiting time for each specialty; and what plans he has to remedy the situation to provide adequate treatment within the area of Grampian health board.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe areas of specialist medicine or surgery in which Grampian residents are treated outwith Grampian health board area are cardiac surgery, orthopaedic surgery, neuro surgery and spina paralysis.
The statistical information requested is as follows: 139W
Cardiac Surgery (Figures available in this category from 1981) Number of operations Average waiting time (in weeks) for operations Glasgow 1981 36 15 1982 26 19 1983 11 19 1984 74 17 1985 30 11 1986 112 21 19871 101 23 1 To 31 August.
Other specialties Orthopaedics Neuro surgery Spinal paralysis 1979 843 46 — 1980 843 49 — 1981 876 43 — 1982 846 25 — 1983 1030 32 7 1984 1106 28 15 19851 1137 10 6 1 Latest available figures. The figures relate to patients treated in each specialty outwith Grampian. Orthopaedic patients are treated in Stracathro hospital, Tayside by Grampian surgeons. Waiting list figures are not available for these specialties.
As the hon. Gentleman is aware, there is at present a committee examining cardiac surgery in Scotland. With regard to the other specialties, it is a matter for individual boards to decide on the level of service necessary taking account of the number of patients requiring treatment. I understand, however, that Grampian health board has long-term plans to provide accommodation in Grampian for its orthopaedic patients presently treated in Stracathro hospital, Brechin.