§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how long he is proposing to extend or renew the present contract for the elective orthopaedics treatment centre at the Prince of Wales Orthopaedic hospital, Rhydlafar, Cardiff.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettThe existing treatment centres have annual contracts.
Decisions on future funding will be taken in the light of experience during 1991–92, but it is not intended that central funding should continue indefinitely.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what evaluation he has carried out of the impact on waiting lists for elective surgery of the three present treatment centres at Bridgend, Bangor and Rhydlafar; and if he will place copies of such evaluations in the Library.
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§ Mr. Nicholas BennettIt is intended to undertake a wider evaluation of the treatment centre initiative during 1991. The existing centres have been broadly successful in meeting their contractual targets and are proving an effective complementary method of delivering speedier health care for Welsh patients.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what length of contract is proposed for the second ophthalmology treatment centre for Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettThe established treatment centres are managed on annual contracts. Decisions on the future funding of the existing centres will be taken in the light of experience during 1991–92. The contract for the proposed new centre at Bridgend will make allowance for referral patterns to become established, but it is not intended that central funding should continue indefinitely.