Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Thursday, 13 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 February 2003. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 February 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps are being taken to reduce (a) waiting times and (b) cancelled operations for elective surgery at Barnet Hospital; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken to reduce (a) waiting times and (b) cancelled operations for elective surgery at Barnet Hospital; and if he will make a statement. [98935] Mr. Hutton: The National Health Service is working to reduce waiting times so that by the end of March 2003, the maximum waiting time for an inpatient appointment will be cut to 12 months. Barnet and Chase Farm Hospital NHS Trust is working with the Modernisation Agency to reduce cancelled operations by improving theatre utilisation, planning and scheduling.

Secondary information