HC Deb 20 July 1977 vol 935 cc627-8W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many arthritis patients are currently awaiting joint replacement operations within the Grimsby Health District; and how this compares with the national average.

Mr. Moyle

On 18th July, 93 patients were awaiting operations within the Grimsby Health District. The national figure is not readily available.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average waiting period for a joint replacement operation within the Grimsby Health District; and how this compares with the national average.

Mr. Moyle

The current average waiting period for the Grimsby Health District is 51 weeks. The national figure is not readily available.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps are being taken to implement the recommendations of the working party into ways of improving radiological services in the Grimsby Health District.

Mr. Moyle

The working party's report makes recommendations for additional staffing, equipment and accommodation. The Area Health Authority is considering, with the regional health authority, what further action is needed. In the meantime the area health authority has made two of the additional appointments of radiographers.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many geriatric beds are available in Grimsby hospitals; and what is the current length of waiting list for geriatric patient beds.

Mr. Moyle

On 18th July there were 231 available beds. No patients were on the waiting list.