§ Mr. Andrew BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the number of patients in each health district for which figures are available who are on waiting lists for operations for which they have ceased to have a need.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe do not collect figures on this centrally. However, studies have shown that some waiting lists, especially the larger ones, are inflated with the names of people who no longer need treatment. Health authorities have been asked to validate their lists to ensure that they are up to date. In the six months to March 1989, a total of 110,000 patients were removed from the lists for reasons other than treatment.
§ Mr. Andrew BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what was the number of patients on hospital waiting lists at 31 March aged(a) under 65, (b) 65 to 75 and (c) 75 years and over;
(2) what was the number of patients on hospital waiting lists in each case aged (a) under 65, (b) 65 to 75 and (c) 75 years and over for (i) varicose veins, hernias. (ii) hip replacement operations, (iii) operations on other joints and (iv) cataracts.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe do not collect this information centrally.