§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps are being taken to reduce the waiting period for admission to hospitals in the Walsall borough.
§ Sir George YoungSpecific action to reduce such waiting periods in Walsall is a matter for the Walsall area health authority. I do, however, encourage all health authorities to take whatever 613W measures they consider appropriate within their resources to reduce waiting periods, and I attach great importance to the results achieved. To assist them, all authorities have access to a memorandum issued some time ago by the Department, which gives examples of practical methods which have proved helpful in some hospitals in managing waiting lists.
The hon. Member will be aware from my hon. Friend's reply to him of 9 June —[Vol. 986, c. 68–69.]—of the present position on the extension to the Walsall district general hospital and the other developments planned to improve hospital facilities in Walsall. These measures should help to alleviate present waiting times in the area.