§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will list by health district those health authorities which have a lithotripter, giving the cost of purchase and estimated annual running costs, together with how many people are treated on average each year, the date the machine was installed and the population of health districts where this equipment is sited.
§ Mrs. CurrieThere are two types of lithotripter in, current use in National Health Service hospitals. The first type, percutaneous lithotripters, are designed for invasive internal application in a normal operating theatre. These are relatively inexpensive devices which are in widespread use.
The second type, known as the extra corporeal shock wave lithotripter, is a complex and expensive machine which avoids the need for interventional surgery. Ministers have said that this type of lithotripsy should be a regional service. I am aware of five of these lithotripters in use so far within the National Health Service in England. These are located as follows:
- The Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield
- St. Peter's Hospital, London
- St. Thomas's Hospital, London
- Southmead Hospital, Bristol
- Withington Hospital, Manchester
There are also facilities in Scotland, which are the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, and in the private sector.
The detailed information requested is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact the health authorities concerned to obtain it.