HC Deb 23 March 1979 vol 964 cc230-1W
Mr. Wrigglesworth

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people are at present on the in-patient and out-patient waiting lists for ear, nose and throat treatment at the North Riding infirmary, Middlesbrough; and what is the number of days they can expect to wait for appointments and treatment.

Mr. Moyle

At 9 March 1979, 6,895 people had been waiting more than 35 days for an out-patient appointment. According to the hospital itself, the first available appointment for a new patient is between 968 and 1,346 days depending on the consultant concerned. I doubt whether the statistics are an up-to-date reflection of the situation. 1,098 people are on the waiting list for in-patient treatment. There is no waiting list for urgent cases. The first available date for admission for a new in-patient for non-urgent treatment varies between four and five months for treatment for tonsils and adenoids, and between three and 12 months for other ear, nose and throat treatment depending on the consultant concerned.