35. Mr. Hellerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking to reduce the length of time of patients waiting to enter hospitals in the Liverpool area for various operations; if he will indicate the hospitals where the worst delays take place; and what specific action is being taken with regard to each hospital.
§ Mr. AlisonI would refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. Waddington) on 6th July 1973—[Vol. 859, c.233–41.]—with regard to the action my Department is taking to reduce waiting lists for in-patient treatment in hospitals throughout the country. 149W In the Liverpool area I understand that the worst delays are experienced amongst patients awaiting admission to the Stanley and Walton hospitals in the gynaecology, orthopaedic and ear, nose and throat specialties. The commissioning of the new Fazakerley District General Hospital in mid-1974 is expected to relieve the situation at these hospitals. My attention has also been drawn to delays in admission to the paediatric cardiology unit at the Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital. The board of governors is considering whether additional resources can be made available for this unit.