§ Mr. ButterfillTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he will take to restore operations on the neurosurgical lists of the Wessex Neurological Centre; and if he will make a statement. [54030]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 2 May 2002]: A clinical governance review by Southampton University Hospitals NHS trust identified the need to strengthen senior anaesthetic cover in the neurosciences intensive care unit at the Wessex Neurological Centre. In the short term this could only be achieved by redeploying anaesthetists from the neuro-operating theatres. This necessitated a temporary reduction in operating time. From 15 April only emergency surgery and urgent cases from the waiting list have been treated. The trust envisages that a full service will resume on 13 May.
The trust is taking action to recruit additional anaesthetists.