§ Commander Purseyasked the Minister of Health (1) if he will state the reasons why different doctors, with similar surgical cases, are only able to obtain beds at the Sutton Annexe Hospital. 76W Hull, after largely varying delays; what is the number of operations which, in the last year, have been delayed for 2 years, 18, 12, 6 and 3 months, respectively, at this hospital; and what steps he will take forthwith to improve the position concerning serious operations in Hull;
(2) if he will state the number of surgical cases awaiting beds for operations in hospital in Hull, and the period of delay likely before admission, for sample cases; and what steps the Leeds Regional Hospital Board intends to take to obviate these delays, by sending surgical cases outside Hull, elsewhere in the region, if necessary.
§ Mr. R. ThompsonNo separate figures are maintained for this hospital. On 30th April 508 names were on the surgical waiting list maintained by the Hull "A" Hospital Management Committee. Waiting time varies according to the urgency of each case and, subject to that, according to the number of patients referred to each surgeon by local general practitioners. The latter have been notified of the variations, and they are not precluded from referring patients to hospitals outside Hull. Detailed information about probable waiting periods is not centrally available, but I will see what can be obtained from the hospital authorities and write to the hon. and gallant Member. There is no delay in admitting serious cases in urgent need of hospital care.
The surgical waiting list has already been reduced by 32 per cent, since 30th April, 1958, and my right hon. and learned Friend relies on the hospital authorities to take all possible steps to secure further reductions. Eventually the major development schemes referred to in the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member on 18th December, 1958, will bring about substantial improvements in the Hull hospital service.