Written question asked by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Thursday, 1 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 July 2004. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Monday, 12 July 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of likely levels of demand for elective surgery at the Kidderminster Treatment Centre (a) in December, (b) at Easter and (c) during the main summer holiday period.

Answer: Mr. Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of likely levels of demand for elective surgery at the Kidderminster Treatment Centre (a) in December, (b) at Easter and (c) during the main summer holiday period. [182528] Dr. Ladyman: This is a matter for the local health community. West Midlands South Strategic Health Authority reports that the assessment of demand for elective surgery is an ongoing rather than specific period process. The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, and the three primary care trusts in Worcestershire are now working together on a joint commissioning basis. They are using a waiting list modelling system to ensure that capacity matches demand and that national targets for waiting times are met.

Secondary information