HC Deb 26 July 1974 vol 877 cc601-2W
Mr. Tierney

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average waiting time for admission to East Birmingham Hospital for private fee-paying patients awaiting operations.

Dr. Owen

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Tierney

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average waiting time for admission to East Birmingham Hospital for surgical operations under the National Health Service.

Dr. Owen

The average time waited in 1973 by those patients admitted for operation was 14.7 weeks. Emergency cases are dealt with immediately.

Mr. Tierney

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of NHS consultants who are employed full time, part time and in a private capacity, respectively, at East Birmingham Hospital.

Dr. Owen

48 consultants are employed whole-time; 13 consultants are employed part-time, which permits them to undertake private practice.

Mr. Tierney

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of beds in the East Birmingham Hospital; and what percentage of the beds is used by private fee-payers.

Dr. Owen

The average number of NHS beds available in 1973 was 468.3, the average daily occupancy of which was 372.2. The beds used by private patients represented 0.04 per cent. of the average daily occupied beds.