HC Deb 01 March 1988 vol 128 cc488-9W
Mr. Fairbairn

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many operations in Scotland had to be cancelled as a result of the disruption by health workers on the day of action on 24 February.

Mr. Fairbairn

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many operations have been cancelled as a result of disruptive action by health workers in the current year.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

2,447.

Mr. Fairbairn

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what effects detrimental to patients have resulted from disruptive action by health workers in Scotland.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

If significant numbers of staff or staff in key areas withdraw their labour, health care is bound to be affected in a wide range of ways; for instance, inadequate levels of nursing cover in a major psychiatric hospital; geriatric and psychogeriatric patients having to be fed cold evening meals off paper plates; disruption of the normal delivery of supplies, including laundry and food, to hospitals; and long-stay patients having to use disposable paper sheets. I am informed by the health boards that on 24 February there was inadequate emergency cover for one or more services in more than 20 hospitals, as shown in the following list. Over 2,400 operations have not taken place this year because of industrial action, a needless waste of highly skilled manpower and advanced facilities. Industrial action is adversely affecting existing patients and is bound to lengthen waiting lists.

Argyll and Clyde Vale of Leven, Hawkhead, Barshaw, Merchiston.

Fife Lynebank, Dunfermline and West Fife, West Fife District General Hospital.

Forth Valley Royal Scottish National Hospital.

Greater Glasgow Knightswood, Victoria/Southern General, Canniesburn, Duke Street.

Lothian Herdmanflat, Western General, Roodlands, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, West Lothian Unit.

Tayside Royal Liff, Strathmartine, King's Cross, Dundee Royal Infirmary, Ninewells.