Written question asked by Sandra Gidley (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 11 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 March 2004. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Monday, 22 March 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the average waiting time for DXA scans was (a) in total and (b) broken down by strategic health authority in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time for DXA scans was (a) in total and (b) broken down by strategic health authority in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [161922] Dr. Ladyman: Waits for diagnostic services are not recorded nationally. The Government is committed to improving access to diagnostic services and the Department is working in partnership with strategic health authorities (SHAs) and other stakeholders to secure a more responsive service. Each SHA is responsible for developing and implementing local improvement programmes for diagnostic services and to monitor progress against any locally agreed objectives.

Secondary information