HC Deb 22 October 1998 vol 317 cc1180-1W
Mr. Burns

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in the Mid Essex Hospital NHS Trust area had been waiting to see a consultant for more than(a) 0 to six months, (b) six to 11 months and (c) 12 months or more, on (i) 31 March 1997 and (ii) the latest available date. [55760]

Mr. Milburn

The number of people waiting to see a consultant at Mid Essex Hospital National Health Service Trust at 31 March 1997 and 30 June 1998 is given in the table:

Number waiting at: 13 to 25 weeks Time waited 26+weeks
31 March 1997 481 74
30 June1998 1,348 256

Note:

1. Figures refer to those waiting to see a consultant for first outpatient appointment following referral by a General Practitioner (medical or dental)

2. Information on the number of patients waiting for less than 13 weeks is not collected centrally

All health authorities and National Health Service trusts have agreed targets for reducing waiting lists by March 1999. Mid Essex Hospital NHS Trust is currently working with the North Thames Task Force and the National Patients' Access Team to ensure it meets its waiting list target.

Mr. Burns

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in the Mid Essex Hospital NHS Trust area had been waiting for treatment for 12 months or more on(a) 31 March 1997 and (b) the latest date for which figures are available. [55759]

Mr. Milburn

The number of patients waiting for inpatient treatment at Mid Essex Hospital National Health Service Trust at 31 March 1997 and 31 August 1998 is given in the table:

Number waiting at: 12+ months
31 March 1997 104
31 August 1998 1,063

Note:

The figures refer to the number of people waiting for treatment as an ordinary admission or day case

All health authorities and National Health Service trusts have agreed targets for reducing waiting lists by March 1999. Mid Essex Hospital NHS Trust is currently working with the North Thames Task Force and the National Patients' Access Team to ensure it meets its waiting list target.