§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will make a statement detailing the resources committed to paediatric cardiology in Northern Ireland;
(2) if he will give consideration to proposals to appoint a second paediatric cardiologist to serve the needs of children in Northern Ireland who have heart abnormalities.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. My Department, in consultation with the four health and social servies boards, is giving consideration to the proposal that a second paediatric cardiologist should be appointed.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement detailing how many patients are currently being treated or examined by the paediatric cardiologist in Northern Ireland; and how many patients are awaiting such attention.
§ Mr. Chris PattenIn 1984, 350 patients received treatment in hospital and 1,442, of whom 242 were new, were examined at outpatients clinics; 162 patients are awaiting such attention.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement detailing the equipment 144W available for use in Northern Ireland by a paediatric cardiologist; and what staff complement would be required to ensure optimum use of this equipment.
§ Mr. Chris PattenA full range of diagnostic equipment is available for paediatric cardiology and is fully utilised.