HC Deb 26 October 1987 vol 121 cc138-9W
Mr. Robert Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what areas of specialist medicine or surgery require to be provided for residents of Grampian outwith the area of Grampian health board; how many patients have had to be so treated for each of the years since 1979; what has been the average waiting time for each specialty; and what plans he has to remedy the situation to provide adequate treatment within the area of Grampian health board.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The areas of specialist medicine or surgery in which Grampian residents are treated outwith Grampian health board area are cardiac surgery, orthopaedic surgery, neuro surgery and spina paralysis.

The statistical information requested is as follows:

Cardiac Surgery
(Figures available in this category from 1981)
Number of operations Average waiting time (in weeks) for operations Glasgow
1981 36 15
1982 26 19
1983 11 19
1984 74 17
1985 30 11
1986 112 21
19871 101 23
1 To 31 August.

Other specialties
Orthopaedics Neuro surgery Spinal paralysis
1979 843 46
1980 843 49
1981 876 43
1982 846 25
1983 1030 32 7
1984 1106 28 15
19851 1137 10 6
1 Latest available figures.

The figures relate to patients treated in each specialty outwith Grampian. Orthopaedic patients are treated in Stracathro hospital, Tayside by Grampian surgeons. Waiting list figures are not available for these specialties.

As the hon. Gentleman is aware, there is at present a committee examining cardiac surgery in Scotland. With regard to the other specialties, it is a matter for individual boards to decide on the level of service necessary taking account of the number of patients requiring treatment. I understand, however, that Grampian health board has long-term plans to provide accommodation in Grampian for its orthopaedic patients presently treated in Stracathro hospital, Brechin.