§ Dr. Ifor Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning the future of the department of thoracic surgery at Morriston hospital, Swansea; what are the present intentions regarding that department; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsRepresentations about the future of this service have been made to me by right hon. and hon. Members and by clinicians and others in West Glamorgan and Dyfed. The Welsh Medical Committee has advised that thoracic surgery on patients from West Wales should ultimately be performed in a regional centre sited in South Glamorgan. However, in order to safeguard the existing level of service in West Glamorgan, I have invited the health authorities of West Glamorgan and South Glamorgan to enter into joint arrangements to replace the present incumbent of the consultant surgeon post on his retirement. I am glad to have learnt that West Glamorgan health authority has welcomed this proposal.