§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many scheduled heart operations at Birmingham children's hospital were cancelled between 8 February and 19 February; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many children are on the waiting list for heart surgery in the west midlands; how many scheduled operations have been cancelled and how many emergency heart operations have been performed over the last 12 months at Birmingham children's hospital; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what is (a) the minimum number of intensive care unit beds recommended for the Birmingham children's hospital, (b) the minimum number of beds designated for heart operations and (c) the number of beds actually available in the week beginning 7 February for scheduled non-emergency operations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Currie[holding answer 15 February 1988]: This detailed information is not held centrally. However, in 1987 a total of 288 cardiac operations were carried out at the Birmingham children's hospital compared with 155 in 1978 which represents an 86 per cent. increase. The total revenue allocation to the hospital under the supra-regional 701W services arrangements for neonatal and infant cardiac surgery in 1988–89 will be £1.032 million compared with £0.988 million this year. Decisions on the level of provision of beds are a matter for health authorities and the hon. Member may therefore wish to write to the chairman of the West Midlands regional health authority for the further information she seeks.