§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the allocation of resources to hospitals in Bolton by the regional health authority; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenRegional health authorities allocate resources to district authorities who are then responsible for funding the hospitals and units they manage. The hon. Member may wish to address his inquiry to the chairman of Bolton health authority.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many non-sterile areas in Bolton hospitals are being used as theatre adjuncts; and how this compares with other hospitals in the region and with hospitals in other regions.
§ Mr. John PattenThis information is not held centrally. The chairman of the North Western regional health authority may be able to help the hon. Member with the information he is seeking in respect of North Western region and Bolton in particular.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the waiting time between consultation and operation in all major specialties at hospitals in Bolton; and how this compares with other hospitals in the region and nationally; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenInformation is not collected centrally in the form requested. I shall let the hon. Member have such information as can be obtained without incurring disproportionate cost as soon as possible.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the minimum time advised by medical authorities for a stay in intensive care; and on how many occasions this has not been possible in Bolton general hospital in the last year because of lack of facilities.
§ Mr. John PattenThe length of time spent in intensive care is a matter for consultants to decide in the light of the condition of each individual patient. I suggest the hon. Member addresses any specific enquiries about Bolton general hospital to the chairman of Bolton health authority.