§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many orthopaedic operations at National Health Service expense have been carried out at Ross Hall hospital to the latest available date; when this practice started; what is the total cost to date for the National Health Service; and what would be the bed requirement if these operations were carried out within National Health Service hospitals.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe number of patients admitted to Ross Hall hospital for orthopaedic procedures as part of the waiting list initiatives is 52. The first of these patients was admitted in early 1988.
The total cost to the National Health Service has been £154,144. The operations were carried out in order to shorten waiting times for the operations concerned. I visited Ross Hall hospital and learned at first hand how much this initiative by the board was appreciated by the patients concerned.