§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many open heart operations have been undertaken this year in Scotland; how many people are on waiting lists waiting for open heart operations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythA total of 2,969 cardiac procedures were undertaken in Scotland between 1 October 1989 and 30 September 1990. There were 1,268 people in Scotland waiting for cardiac operations at 30 425W September 1990. Cardiac surgery services have been systematically expanded by the Government over recent years. Since central funding began in 1983, the number of cardiac operations performed in Scotland has increased from 1,717 to 2,518 by March 1990. This year an extra £467,000 has been provided to Greater Glasgow health board under the waiting list fund initiative to enable an additional 80 procedures to be undertaken.