Mr. Merlyn Rees asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the four orthopaedic surgeons at the 560W Leeds general infirmary have suspended their waiting lists with effect from 30 January; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenI understand that consultant orthopaedic surgeons at Leeds general infirmary have held discussions with officers of Leeds western district health authority about facilities available to them and that they have expressed concern about the length of time patients have had to wait for non-urgent treatment. They are not now adding new patients to the waiting lists, but patients already on the list are still being admitted as before. The health authority is looking urgently at how it might improve services in this speciality.