HC Deb 14 June 1988 vol 135 c163W
88. Mr. Butler

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to promote the efficiency of hospital out-patient departments.

Mrs. Currie

Health authorities are responsible for promoting and monitoring the efficiency of out-patient departments. A booklet "Reducing Waiting time in Out-Patient Departments" which gave advice on the organisation of an efficient out-patients department appointments system was issued to health authorities in 1985. Officials are now considering further initiatives to promote efficiency in out-patients departments.