§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of patients who see an orthopaedic surgeon went on to have an operation in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [23126]
§ Jacqui SmithPatients who attend national health service trauma and orthopaedic out-patient clinics are treated in a range of ways, such as non-surgical treatment, physiotherapy, drug treatment and receive advice on lifestyle changes. A significant number of these patients will not need hospital admission. In 2000–01 there were
1,724,943 new patients treated in trauma and orthopaedic clinics;661,430 consultant episodes of trauma and orthopaedic care where surgery was performed. This figure does not equate to the number of patients as some may be operated on more than one occasion during the year.