§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) why the average waiting period for admission to the ear, nose and throat wards of the North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary and the City General Hospital, Hartshill, is two to two-and-a-half months and four to six months, respectively; and whether he will make a statement;
(2) why the average waiting period for the admission of general surgical patients into the City General Hospital, Hartshill is two to three months;
(3) why the average waiting period for admission of gynecology patients to the North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary is two to three months; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonSome period of waiting is unavoidable if the maximum use of beds and services is to be achieved. Emergencies are admitted without delay. Other cases are admitted from the waiting list according to medical urgency: many patients wait less than the average times quoted.