§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the average waiting time for outpatients in cases classed as non-urgent for surgery at the Bolton Royal Infirmary ; and how many such outpatients are at present awaiting surgical treatment ;
(2) what action he proposes to take to reduce the waiting time of outpatients requiring surgical treatment at the Bolton Royal Infirmary ;
(3) what are the causes of the delay in treatment for outpatients awaiting operations classed as non-urgent at the Bolton Royal Infirmary.
§ Mr. CrossmanWaiting times vary so much according to the operation that an average figure would have little meaning. About 3,000 patients are at present awaiting non-urgent surgery nearly half of whom are for tonsillectomy. Of the remainder 90 per cent. have been waiting less than a year.
It is hoped that the provision of a third theatre, due for completion in August or September, 1970, and the appointment of an additional orthopaedic surgeon will ease the situation.
The current closure of the theatre block while work is preceeding on the additional theatre and the use of temporary operating facilities set up in a ward has resulted in a lower turnover of cases and loss of beds and has adversely affected the waiting list.