§ 90. Mr. W. R. Williamsasked the Minister of Health the number of adults and children, respectively, seen by the hospital consultant at Ashton-under-Lyne 164W General Hospital as ear, nose and throat cases are now awaiting treatment; and what proportion of that number require treatment for tonsils and adenoids.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI am informed that 157 adults and 247 children are awaiting admission. Over 90 per cent. of the children, and about a third of the adults, require treatment for tonsils and adenoids.
§ 91. Mr. W. R. Williamsasked the Minister of Health how many children on the Ashton-under-Lyne General Hospital waiting list and on the schools clinic list are awaiting appointments with consultants; and whether he is aware that some children have been waiting for over 18 months.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI am informed that 292 are on the hospital waiting list and 437 on the schools clinics list. I am aware that the waiting time is long in some cases, but any child whom the school medical officer considers to be in need of more urgent treatment is given a special appointment.
§ 92. Mr. W. R. Williamsasked the Minister of Health what special steps he proposes to take to reduce the waiting time for treatment of ear, nose and throat complaints and the removal of tonsils and adenoids in the areas covered, respectively, by the Ashton-under-Lyne General Hospital and the Glossop Hospital.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe Manchester Regional Hospital Board have appointed an additional ear, nose and throat consultant who is due to take up his duties on 1st February next.