§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is(a) the location (b) the number of 887W and (c) arrangements for using lithotripsy machines in the Scottish health service;
(2) if he will make a statement on the treatment of patients with kidney stones.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 27 October 1994]: Lithotripsy services in the Scottish health service are provided by Scottish Lithotriptor Centre at the Western General hospital, Edinburgh. The service is comprised of a static lithotriptor on the Western General site and a mobile unit, which is available for use throughout the health service in Scotland. The mobile unit is managed by the Scottish Lithotriptor Centre, but local hospital consultants operate it, treating their own patients in their own areas on an out-patient or day-case basis.
The treatment of patients with kidney stones is a matter for health boards who purchases appropriate services, including lithotripsy, based on an assessment of local need. The type of treatment patients receive is a matter for clinical decision.