§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many lithotripters are currently in operation; where they are situated; and which health authority areas they cover.
§ Mr. WhitneyThere are at present two lithotripters in England. One, at St. Thomas' hospital in London, is a joint venture with BUPA and 75 per cent. of the treatment is allocated to National Health Service patients. The service is being evaluated to determine the best use of the machine in treating renal calculi and to provide guidance on the number of such machines needed to deal with the potential national patient load. Patients are not restricted to those from particular health authorities.
The second unit is in the private sector, at the Devonshire hospital in London. I understand that some health authorities have made arrangements for National Health Service patients to be treated there but no details are held centrally.