HC Deb 03 April 1973 vol 854 cc53-4W
Dr. John A. Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients from West Cumberland were treated at hospitals in Carlisle during 1970, 1971 and 1972, including both in-patients and out-patients; and why treatment was not available in West Cumberland.

Mr. Alison

Patients from West Cumberland treated as in-patients in Carlisle in 1970, 1971 and 1972 numbered 770, 457 and 647 respectively. In each of these years over 10,000 in-patients were treated in West Cumber- land. Corresponding figures for out-patients are not readily available. Hospitals in West Cumberland provide a full service for patients except in those few specialties which are more effectively provided on a regional or area basis.

Dr. John A. Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many children from West Cumberland under the age of 18 years had to travel to Carlisle or beyond for treatment as hospital in-patients and out-patients during 1970, 1971 and 1972.

Mr. Alison

In 1970, 1971 and 1972, the number of children under the age of 18 from West Cumberland treated as in-patients at Carlisle were 231, 167 and 323 respectively, and at Newcastle 99 and 111 in 1971 and 1972 respectively. Similar figures for out-patients are not available but the need for children to attend out-patient clinics outwith the West Cumberland hospitals is minimal.

Dr. John A. Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why young children from the West Cumberland area cannot receive treatment for ear, nose and throat problems as in-patients at the West Cumberland Hospital when surgery is involved; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alison

In the interests of patients, ear, nose and throat facilities are provided on an area basis in order to make the best use of available specialist medical resources and surgical facilities. The comprehensive in-patient unit for ear, nose and throat treatment serving both East and West Cumberland is based in Carlisle. The Newcastle Regional Hospital Board has, however, recognised the relative isolation of West Cumberland by establishing a small in-patient unit in West Cumberland Hospital in association with a full consultant service. The consultants take into account the condition to be treated and decide which would be the better location for the effective and safe treatment of the patient.