§ 63. Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Health how many people to date are awaiting hospital beds in Barnsley and district, particularly for entrance to St. Helen's and Beckett Hospitals; and how many of these people it is estimated are in need of operations.
§ Miss PittOn 31st December, 1959, 2,541 people were awaiting hospital beds, 1,069 at St. Helen Hospital and 1,472 at Beckett Hospital. Of these, 971 and 1,446, respectively, were awaiting operations.
§ 65. Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Health, in view of the fact that the extension planned for St. Helen's Hospital, Barnsley, was not specifically mentioned in his statement of 16th November, 1959, what progress is being made; and when building is expected to commence.
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§ Mr. Walker-SmithI have sent the board comments by my professional officers on the three alternative plans they have prepared for extending the hospital. One involves the use of some adjoining land belonging to the Barnsley Corporation, and a valuation of this land is being carried out in consultation with the corporation.
Number waiting for operations Estimated waiting time (in months) St. Helen Beckett Total General Surgery 51 568 619 10.4 Ear, Nose and Throat (Tonsils and Adenoids) 440 112 552 16.8 Ear, Nose and Throat (other) 29 269 298 15.9 Gynaecology 451 — 451 15.6 Orthopaedics — 327 327 11.2 Ophthalmology — 129 129 10.1 Dentistry — 41 41 5.8 Totals 971 1,446 2,417