§ 28. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to be able to reduce the waiting time for patients' appointments with orthopaedic consultants at Shotley Bridge General Hospital, Consett.
§ Mr. MoyleI share my hon. Friend's concern over this problem. The regional and area health authorities see no prospect of any substantial reduction in waiting times at Shotley Bridge until more accommodation can be made available following the opening later this year of Freeman Road Hospital, when cardiothoracic surgery now undertaken at Shotley Bridge Hospital will be transferred to the new District General Hospital in Newcastle.