Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 8 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 January 2004. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Monday, 19 January 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what mechanisms are in place to monitor progress made by (a) strategic health authorities and (b) primary care trusts in reducing waiting times for diagnostic testing. - Are not recorded nationally.

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what mechanisms are in place to monitor progress made by (a) strategic health authorities and (b) primary care trusts in reducing waiting times for diagnostic testing. [147270] Mr. Hutton: 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

Type: Written question
Reference: 416 c1073W;416 c1071-2W; 147270
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Diagnosis Hospitals Health authorities Primary care trusts Monitoring Waiting lists Screening Testing Tomography
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk