§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Health (1) why the new extension to St. Helen Hospital, Barnsley, has been so long delayed; and when he now estimates that this extension will be completed and ready for service;
(2) what priority has been granted to the new St. Helen Hospital Extension; what money has already been spent on this project; and when the building is due to begin.
§ Mr. R. ThompsonThis scheme was selected in December, 1956, with a view to the completion of planning during the present financial year. The time taken has been due to the size of the scheme (estimated to cost about £2 million), and to the need for deciding what existing buildings should be kept, for making site tests, and for determining what precise new accommodation should be provided. £1,150 has so far been spent, but I am not yet able to say when building will begin.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Health if he will list the number of people waiting for operations, giving the separate figures for each type of operation, at the Barnsley Becket and St. Helen Hospitals.
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§ Mr. R. ThompsonThe information at 5th February is as follows:
Type of operation Number on waiting list Becket Hospital Ophthalmic … 129 Ear, Nose and Throat … 323 General Surgical … 572 Orthopaedic … 255 Dental … 34 St. Helen Hospital Gynaecological … 375 Tonsils and Adenoids … 209 Paediatric Surgery … 14 Orthopaedics (children) … 30