§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS Lithotriptor machines are available per head of population in each region of England and Wales; and where they are located. [140161]
§ Mr. DenhamWe do not maintain an inventory of medical equipment. Central records show that in England in 1998–99 a total of 147 National Health Service trusts reported carrying out at least one lithotripsy procedure for kidney stones and of these 37 NHS trusts reported 100 or more procedures. These figures can only be used as an indication of the facilities available. Some trusts may use mobile lithotriptors to provide a local service.
The provision of health services in Wales is a matter for the devolved Assembly.