§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what policy considerations led to his decision to set up a second ophthalmology treatment centre in Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettThe additional treatment centre intended for Bridgend is proposed as a result of the large ophthalmology waiting lists. The centre will provide an accessible and cost effective means of reducing the lists in south and west Wales.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had(a) with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and (b) with local consultant ophthalmologists in Wales concerning medical follow-up responsibilities for patients on the ophthalmology waiting lists receiving eye surgery at the existing Bangor and proposed Bridgend treatment centres.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettOur officials discussed follow-up and other procedures with the Royal College of502W Ophthalmologists prior to establishing the Bangor centre. Patients attend two follow-up consultations arranged with the centre in line with the guidelines of the royal college.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what account he took of the recommendations of the Royal College of Ophthalmology on staffing requirements per 100,000 people, prior to his decision on a second ophthalmology treatment centre in Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettThe decision to establish a second ophthalmic treatment centre was taken following consideration of the particular waiting times in this speciality and local circumstances and opportunities. Detailed staffing requirements will be settled in discussion with the host authority.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what length of contract will be offered to consultants to be employed in the ophthalmology treatment centre to be opened in Bridgend; and how many consultants will be employed.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettStaffing levels for the new ophthalmology treatment centre, Bridgend are currently under discussion with the host district health authority. Individual contracts for staff at the centre will be the responsibility of Mid Glamorgan health authority.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he now has to reduce waiting lists in ophthalmology and general surgery in the catchment area of South Glamorgan health authority.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettBids for funds under the waiting times initiative for 1991–92 have been invited from all health authorities in Wales. South Glamorgan DHA is able to refer general surgery patients to the treatment centre at Bridgend and ophthalmology patients to the Bangor treatment centre and will also be able to refer patients to the new cataract centre when it becomes operational.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations with ophthalmologists he undertook prior to making his decision on the setting up of a second ophthalmology treatment centre for Wales at Bridgend general hospital.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettThe decision to establish a second ophthalmology treatment centre at Bridgend was taken after consideration of the waiting list position in ophthalmology in south Wales and local circumstances and opportunities.