HC Deb 06 March 1975 vol 887 cc503-4W
Mr. Orbach

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients are on the waiting list of Stockport hospitals; and what are the treatments required, the average delay in receiving treatments and the specific causes for delays.

Dr. Owen

The numbers of patients on waiting lists and the estimated average waiting times for the Stockport hospitals are as follows in the specialities shown:

Specialty Number Average waiting times: Months
General Surgery 2,939 12
Gynaecology 1,959 11
ENT (T and AS) 1,355 11
ENT (Other) 144 5
Ophthalmology 371 5
Orthopaedic Surgery 341 11
Dental Surgery 135 3
Geriatrics 83 3
Sub-Normality 14 10

Emergencies are admitted immediately and other urgent cases are given priority. Delays can be due to a complex variety of interrelated causes, including shortages of resources.