Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Jonathan Shaw (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 31 January 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Radiographers

Question: Would my right hon. Friend like to take a trip to Medway Maritime hospital— My hon. Friend would, if he wanted an MRI scan, because urgent MRI scans are completed within two weeks and non-urgent ones within 12 weeks. That has been achieved by a flexible working pattern—a six-day working pattern, with a 12-hour day. Is that not the future for the NHS?

Answer: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend and I am delighted to have the opportunity to congratulate staff at Medway Maritime hospital, who have slashed the waiting time for urgent and for routine MRI scans. They have taken advantage of the work force reforms that we introduced with ““Agenda for Change”” and the new roles, particularly for assistant radiographers and advanced practitioners. Unlike the Opposition, we do not simply talk about waiting times—we take action to cut them.

Secondary information