§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what measures he is taking to reduce waiting times for patients seeking admission to Shotley Bridge general hospital, Consett.
§ Dr. VaughanThe regional and area health authorities are concerned about waiting times for plastic surgery and orthopaedic treatment at this hospital. They expect that the waiting times for plastic surgery will be reduced following the recent appointment of an additional 57W consultant in this specialty. Approval has also been given to the recruitment of an additional consultant in orthopaedics, and waiting times for orthopaedic treatment should be reduced once this appointment has been made.