§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what complaints she has received from(a) elected Members and (b) patients from the St. Helens and Knowsley area concerning the waiting times at St. Helens hospital; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyWe are not aware of any such complaints. No patients have to wait longer than one year for in-patient or day case treatment at the St. Helen's and Knowsley hospitals national health service trust, and 80 per cent. are seen within six months.