§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what percentage of operating theatre time on a weekday basis is used in each health board in Scotland; and what proposals he has for improvement on this figure;
(2) what estimates are available to him on the extent to which full use of operating theatres in National Health Service hospitals is inhibited by lack of properly qualified nursing staff and the money to pay for them;
(3) if he will take steps to increase the number of beds and staff in National Health Service hospitals to increase operating theatre utilisation and throughput;
(4) what estimates are available to him as to the extent to which loss of operating theatre time in Scotland is due to (a) lack of surgeons, (b) lack of anaesthetists, (c) lack of operating theatre staff, (d) lack of beds, (e) cash restrictions on health boards and (f) other causes;
(5) if he will take steps to reduce the power or influence of consultants in the use of operating theatre time in Scotland.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythInformation about theatre utilisation and the causes of any underutilisation is not held centrally. Efficiency in the use of clinical resources including theatres is a matter for individual health boards and their staff. The output of the acute hospital services has increased markedly in recent years and levels of efficiency are now much greater. The recent report from the National Audit Office on the use of operating theatres in the NHS in England indicates, however, that significant improvements could be made. I shall continue to encourage health boards in Scotland to further efforts.