HC Deb 03 June 1991 vol 192 cc118-9W
Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the average waiting period for appointments, examination and fittings experienced by disabled persons at Musgrave Park hospital, Belfast, in each of the last two years.

Mr. Hanley

The Eastern health and social services board is responsible for the management of the artificial limb and appliance centre at Musgrave Park hospital. I am advised that in each of the last two years, the average waiting time for appointment/examination following amputation was one week. On average, fitting was then carried out within two to three weeks in a routine case and within six weeks in more complex cases.

Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many disabled patients in Northern Ireland require services provided at Musgrave Park hospital limb fitting centre, Belfast, annually.

Mr. Hanley

In Northern Ireland there are 1,700 patients with artificial limbs. About 1,200 of these patients attend annually.

Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated waiting period which disabled persons are likely to experience in future as a result of the decision to withdraw cover for absent doctors who normally deal with disabled patients.

Mr. Hanley

I am informed by the Eastern health and social services board that it has no knowledge of any such decision in relation to the services provided for disabled patients at Musgrave Park hospital.