HC Deb 29 October 1987 vol 121 cc418-9W
Dr. Moonie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what his Department is doing to reduce waiting times for ear, nose and throat surgery in Scotland.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

I regard reduction of the length of time patients have to wait for in-patient treatment or consultations as one of the most urgent tasks facing the Health Service. I have therefore established a working group within my Department, which is currently studying various methods of reducing waiting lists and waiting times and I have impressed on health boards the importance of the task.

Mr. Hood

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many of the Clydesdale patients on 1984, 1985 and 1986 waiting lists for more than three months were over 60 years of age;

(2) how many patients in Clydesdale in need of operations have been asked to wait due to lack of medical and hospital facilities for more than three months for each year since 1974.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

This information is not available centrally on a constituency basis.