§ Dr. David Owenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in view of the fact that the waiting periods for surgical out-patient consultant appointments vary from 12–88 weeks according to the surgeons requested, and that gynaecological cases may have to wait 7–33 weeks for an out-patient appointment, if he will take steps to reduce these delays by providing general practitioners in the Plymouth area with direct access to radiology facilities.
§ Sir K. JosephOpen access for general practitioners to radiological departments in five hospitals in Plymouth was withdrawn on 20th November because of the increasing pressure of work on these 63W department; open access is still available at the Plymouth Chest Clinic and at general practitioner hospitals in the Plymouth area. This action was taken with reluctance by the hospital management committee and the facility will be restored as soon as possible. I am taking up the question of waiting periods with the hospital authorities concerned, and will write to the hon. Member when I have informed myself.
§ Dr. David Owenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many consultant radiologists work in the area covered by the Plymouth and district hospitals; what requests for a further consultant radiologist or registrars has been made to the South-West Regional Hospital Board; what was its reply; and what steps are being taken to reduce the pressure on existing X-ray facilities by appointing additional personnel.
§ Sir K. JosephFive.
I understand that the hospital management committee has requested two additional consultant posts in radiology. The regional hospital board is seeking my approval for the establishment of one in 1973–74. This proposal will be considered in the context of overall programmes for new consultant posts upon which I am to be advised by the Consultant Establishment Sub-Committee of the Central Manpower Committee. I understand that the regional hospital board is consulting the professional Regional Manpower Committee about the second post requested.
As to radiographers, my approval is not required for the establishment of new posts and recruitment is a matter for the hospital management committee.