Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cardiac surgeons are employed at the Royal Victoria hospital; what proposals there are to employ additional cardiac surgeons at this hospital; and if he will make a statement about the waiting list for cardiac operations at the Royal Victoria hospital.
§ Mr. MossThere are five cardiac surgeons employed at present at the Royal Victoria hospital Belfast. I am not aware of any proposals by the Royal Group of Hospitals HSS trust, which employs the surgeons, to increase this number. Prior to 1992, there were three cardiac surgeons at the RVH, but since the appointment of two others, in May 1992 and September 1993 respectively, there have been very significant reductions both in numbers waiting for surgery and in waiting times. Between September 1991 and September 1994, the total number waiting was reduced from almost 1,000 to 449, while between September 1993 and November 1994 the number waiting in excess of 18 months fell from 258 to 11. Further reductions in numbers and times can be expected.