§ 63. Mr. Weatherillasked the Minister of Health why the delay for providing hearing aids for patients at the Croydon General Hospital is approximately 18 201W months; and what action he is taking to alleviate the distress caused to the patients concerned.
§ Mr. SnowThe delay, currently 12–13 months, is due to staffing duties at St. Mary Abbot's Hospital, where patients from Croydon General Hospital are at present referred for hearing aids; but two additional technicians have just been recruited, which should lead to an immediate improvement. Certain longer-term measures proposed by the South-West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board will further improve the position.