§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce new incentives for patients referred to consultants by their general practitioners to keep their appointments. [151319]
§ Mr. DenhamIn 1998 we launched our National Booked Admissions Programme under which growing numbers of patients are being given the opportunity to agree a date and time for their outpatient appointment, or a date for admission to hospital. Booked dates enable patients to plan ahead and make any necessary work, childcare or other arrangements. Patients who have a say in their appointment date are much more likely to keep it. Under the NHS Plan all patients will be able to book their outpatient appointments and admission to hospital by the end of 2005.