§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why patients have to wait so long for ear, nose and throat surgery at Ormskirk hospital; and what steps he is taking to remedy the situation.
§ Mr. Moyle:The health authorities have identified as the main reasons for the size of the current waiting lists: the limited capacity of the present operating theatres: an overall shortage of acute beds in Ormskirk including those in the ear, nose and throat specialty; and the availability of consultant staff.
The North-Western regional health authority and the Lancashire area health authority are both anxious to reduce the waiting lists. A third operating theatre at Ormskirk and District general hospital is expected to be ready next year and it will then be possible to consider increasing the numter of consultant sessions. A major redevelopment of the hospital is planned by the regional health authority for the early 1980s, with a substantial increase in acute beds, theatres and other facilities, including those for the ENT specialty.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many children are waiting for ear, nose and throat operations at Ormskirk hospital; and what is the length of time they wait.
§ Mr. Moyle:The number of children waiting for operations on 30th September 1978 was 68. The lengths of time for which they had been waiting were:
Up to 3 months 10 children 3 to 6 months 18 children 6 to 12 months 19 children 1 to 2 years 21 children