Written question asked by Helen Jones (Labour) on Monday, 21 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 October 2002. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Thursday, 24 October 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, for what reason Wythenshawe Hospital scheduled an operation on Mr S. Ford of Warrington at a time when the relevant consultant was known to be away; how many times this has happened to other patients in the last year; and what procedures will be put in place to prevent such occurences in the future.

Answer: Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason Wythenshawe Hospital scheduled an operation on Mr. S. Ford of Warrington at a time when the relevant consultant was known to be away; how many times this has happened to other patients in the last year; and what procedures will be put in place to prevent such occurences in the future. [76648] Jacqui Smith: There was a breakdown in communication within the cardiac waiting list department. This was the first and only time such an incident has occurred. Staff have been reminded of the importance of informing the cardiac waiting list department in the event that a consultant is not available to cover the trans-oesophageal echo list.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 76648; 391 c504W;391 c503W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Maladministration Surgery University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk