Written question asked by Jane Griffiths (Labour) on Monday, 21 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 March 2005. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Thursday, 24 March 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what targets he has set for waiting times between referral by general practitioner and appointment with consultant rheumatologist for (a) adults and (b) children.

Answer: Jane Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what targets he has set for waiting times between referral by general practitioner and appointment with consultant rheumatologist for (a) adults and (b) children. [223629] Mr. Hutton: By the end of 2005, no patient should have to wait more than 13 weeks from general practitioner (GP) referral for a first out-patient appointment with any consultant. This includes consultant rheumatologists. By the end of 2008, the maximum wait will be just 18 weeks from GP referral to the start of treatment. These targets apply regardless of age.

Secondary information