Written question asked by David Leslie Taylor (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 November 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 November 2009. It was answered by Ann Keen (Labour) on Thursday, 12 November 2009 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Rheumatology: East Midlands

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how long on average waiting times were for rheumatoid arthritis patients for follow-up consultations with a rheumatology specialist in (a) North West Leicestershire constituency and (b) the East Midlands in each year since 2001.

Answer: The Department does not collect waiting times data for follow-up consultations at specialty level.Data published by the Department, Department of Health Monthly Activity Return (MAR) and Quarterly Activity Return (QAR), looking on an all speciality basis shows that the ratio of subsequent attendance (follow-up) to first out-patient appointment has remained broadly stable over the last three years at around two (subsequent attendances) to one (first out-patient appointment).

Secondary information