§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list, for(a) the treatment centre for ophthalmology at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, (b) the treatment centre for ophthalmology at Bridgend general hospital, (c) the treatment centre for hernias and varicose veins at Bridgend general hospital and (d) the treatment centre for major joint surgery at the Prince of Wales hospital, Rhydlafar, Cardiff, (i) the number of operations contracted by the Welsh Office for the current financial year, (ii) the percentage of (i) that will come from outside the health authority in which the treatment centre is located, (iii) the numbers coming from each health authority where the patients have their residence, separately distinguishing referrals from general practitioners and consultants and (iv) the number of patients who have been referred to date to each centre.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe numbers of operations to be contracted by the Welsh Office in the current financial year are as follows
Surgical treatment centre Bridgend general hospital—1,000 hernias and varicose veins.Orthopaedic treatment centre Rhydlafar hospital—255 hip and knee Joint replacements and other orthopaedic operationsOphthalmic treatment centre Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor—300 cataractsOphthalmic treatment centre Bridgend general hospital—850 cataractsActivity levels and associated funding at the Bangor treatment centre will be reviewed in November.The allocation of centrally funded capacity between district health authorities is currently being finalised, based on bids received from the authorities and their waiting list problems. I will write to the hon. Gentleman shortly and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House. The centres are free to negotiate additional contracts with district health authorities should any spare capacity remain.
Comprehensive data on specific sources of referral is not currently available.
The total number of patients treated at each treatment centre from their different start dates to 31 March 1992 is as follows:
- Surgical treatment centre
- Bridgend general—opened April 1990–1,980 (procedures)
- Ophthalmic treatment centre
- Bridgend general—opened October 1991–419
- Orthopaedic treatment centre
- Rhydlafar hospital—opened December 1989–647
- Ophthalmic treatment centre
- Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor—opened July 1990–692