§ 37. Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the waiting lists for surgery at the Southend general hospital. [142932]
§ Mr. DenhamThe number of patients waiting for surgery at Southend General Hospital have been affected by a combination of factors, the most significant being the increase in general practitioner referrals reflecting the development of new and enhanced service and emergency admissions which have affected elective surgical admissions. Southend Hospital National Health Service Trust is working with its other health partners and social services on ways to address this in both the hospital and the community.