§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the benefits to patients that could be achieved if the money budgeted for the treatment centres initiative in Wales were to be redirected to increase the rate of treatment of patients in the same specialties at appropriate hospitals throughout Wales, using existing facilities.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettWithin the United Kingdom, treatment centres are unique to Wales. The purpose of this initiative is to offer to those throughout Wales who have been waiting four months or more the choice of earlier treatment for key disabling conditions. The centre at Rhydlafar has been operating for year. It is too early to establish firm referral patterns.
Once all the centres have completed their first year's operations, it is intended to undertake a wider evaluation of the treatment centre initiative. Initial indications are that the centres are proving to be an effective alternative method of delivering speedier health care for Welsh patients.