§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will investigate an urgent review of orthopaedic services in south Manchester; [12738]
276W(2) how many orthopaedic surgeons have left hospitals in the south Manchester area in each of the last five years; what assessment he has made of the factors underlying their departure; what assessment he has made of the impact of their departure on provision of orthopaedic services in south Manchester; what measures he proposes to address shortages in provisions at times of extreme levels of demand; and if he will make a statement. [12739]
§ Mr. BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the level of supply relative to the level of demand for orthopaedic services in south Manchester hospitals; what steps he has taken to ensure adequate provision; and if he will take further measures urgently. [12844]
§ Mr. HoramThere are five consultant orthopaedic posts in south Manchester. In the past five years, two consultants have retired; one in 1992 and one in 1995. Both were of retirement age and have been replaced. A consultant based at Wythenshawe hospital will leave in March to pursue his interest in paediatric work at another trust. Another consultant has recently resigned and is expected to leave in May. Both men will be replaced and the recruitment process has already begun. South Manchester University Hospitals NHS trust expects to deliver orthopaedic activity according to its contracts with purchasers in the current financial year despite recent changes in consultant staff.