Written question asked by Peter Bone (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 March 2006. It was answered by Jane Kennedy (Labour) on Monday, 27 March 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Waiting Lists

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the Minister of State's Oral Statement of 20 March 2006, Official Report, column 120 and to the answers of 14 February 2006, Official Report, column 2030W, on waiting lists/times, and 13 March 2006, Official Report, column 2030W, on waiting lists, what the evidential basis is for the statement that no-one waits more than six months for an operation.

Answer: The six-month operational standard came into effect across the national health service from 1 January 2006. No patient should have to expect to wait longer than this.Latest data for end January 2006 showed that 74 patients (less than 0.1 per cent.) were waiting over six months. This contrasts with the position under the previous administration, when 10 per cent. of patients were waiting over two years.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 61038; 444 c812W;444 c812W
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Department of Health
Monday, 20 March 2006
Proceeding contributions
House of Commons; Waiting Lists
Monday, 13 March 2006
Written questions
House of Commons; Waiting Lists/Times
Tuesday, 14 February 2006
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Hospitals Waiting lists
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk