§ Earl Howeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether NHS Trusts which fail to meet their waiting list reduction targets as a result of the current influenza outbreak will forgo any financial bonuses that they might otherwise have received. [HL557]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThere is no national system for giving trusts financial bonuses when they achieve waiting list reductions.
§ Earl Howeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will suspend their waiting list initiative until the current influenza outbreak has ceased to impose pressures on NHS hospitals. [HL558]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThis Government are determined to modernise the National Health Service. Reducing waiting lists is an essential part of this modernisation process. Demand for NHS services this winter is greater than last. The NHS has planned well for these critical months since the beginning of last year. A seasonal rise in waiting lists is expected over the next couple of months, reflecting the planned priority the NHS has given to winter emergency admissions. This is anticipated in our plans to achieve our manifesto waiting list target. Trusts will continue to work to ensure the target is achieved.