HC Deb 08 March 1979 vol 963 c811W
Mr. David Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how long non-emergency patients have to wait for radio

1 February1974 1 February1975 1 February1976 1 February1977 1February1978
General surgery 430 438 485 544 442
Gynaecology 434 360 275 118 107
Oral surgery Not known Not known Not known Not known 35
Ear, nose and throat 107 597 765 820 710
Orthopaedics 8 43 38 122 121
Ophthalmic Not known 44 88 119 88

There has been no waiting list during the period for general medicine.

The longest waiting period for non-urgent surgery is for varicose veins and may be up to six years depending upon the degree of urgency. I regret that this category of patient was not included in the answer I gave to the hon. Gentleman on 1 February when I quoted up to 18 months as the waiting time for non-urgent general surgery.—[Vol. 961, c. 530.]