Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 9 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 November 2004. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 November 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what milestones have been set for delivering the planning framework target of maximum 18 week waits by 2008; and what changes have been made to data collection to support (a) the measurement of the target and (b) the monitoring of the milestones. (Information in Library Dep 04/1873). - (Holding answer 15 November 2004).

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what milestones have been set for delivering the planning framework target of maximum 18 week waits by 2008; and what changes have been made to data collection to support (a) the measurement of the target and (b) the monitoring of the milestones. [197818] Mr. Hutton: [holding answer 15 November 2004]: Strategic health authorities (SHAs) will need to agree primary care trusts' annual plans to ensure delivery of all national targets. Central working assumptions have been shared with SHAs to test the robustness of these plans and are available on the Department's website at http:// www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/08/83/44/04088344.pdf. Copies have been placed in the Library. Officials are working with national health service colleagues to ensure the necessary amendments are made to existing collections in order to monitor progress against these assumptions and measurement of the target.

Secondary information