HL Deb 15 May 1991 vol 528 cc1607-8

The Countess of Mar asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have assessed the costs to industry and commerce, the Inland Revenue, the Department of Social Security and individuals of keeping patients on National Health Service hospital waiting lists for protracted periods.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Hooper)

My Lords, no such assessment has been made.

The Countess of Mar

My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for her Answer to the Question. I totally expected that because it is clear that the Government tend to regard the National Health Service as a drain on the economy. Will she consider whether it would be worthwhile looking at the marvellous benefits of the National Health Service and realising that people who are treated, who are put on their feet again and able to return to work, are of benefit to society generally? Would ii not be a good idea to expedite the clearing of waiting lists so far as is possible—I realise that they can never be totally cleared—in order to benefit the economy generally?

Baroness Hooper

My Lords, the reason why we have not undertaken the kind of assessment suggested by the noble Countess is that it would be a mammoth task. There is no need to do so because our firm policy is to reduce long waits for treatment. I agree with the noble Countess that the problem is the waiting time involved. We firmly believe that excessive waiting times for treatment are wrong. The question of economic; benefits is another matter; but our firm policies are directed to shortening the waiting time.

Lord Ennals

My Lords, at a time when, historically, we have record lengths of waiting lists, is it not strange that this matter is not considered to be a priority? Is it not to be expected that, in this age of purchaser and provider and with all the new accountants and administrators who have been brought into the National Health Service, the costing of the waiting lists, with all the misery that they cause people, would have been an essential piece of finance?

Baroness Hooper

My Lords, this is a priority for us. In the 12 months to September 1990 the number of patients waiting over a year reduced by 7 per cent—that is important in the overall numbers—and fast-track figures show a further 12 per cent. fall in patients waiting over a year in the five months to February 1991—proof that our policies for improving the situation are working.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, is it not a fact that in shortening the waiting lists, the argument is humanitarian rather than economic?

Baroness Hooper

Yes, my Lords. In all the reforms of the National Health Service, we direct our efforts to improving the quality of patient care.

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