§ Mr. John Ellisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the average waiting time for admission to a National Health Service bed in the Scunthorpe area for a hernia operation when a patient has been examined by a consultant under the National Health Service;
(2) what is the average waiting time for admission to a National Health Service 77W bed in the Scunthorpe area for a hernia operation, when a patient has been examined by a consultant as a private patient.
§ Dr. OwenThe average waiting time for a hernia operation in the Scunthorpe area varies between four and six months depending on the length of the particular consultant's waiting list. Cases of clinical necessity are admitted immediately. Information about private consultations is not available.