§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average wait for heart bypass operations(a) in the United Kingdom and (b) of patients in Gloucestershire was in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [29317]
§ Ms BlearsData are not collected on average waiting times for heart bypass operations specifically. Instead, data have been provided for the last 12 months on the average waiting time for in-patient procedures in the cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology specialties in England and in Gloucestershire health authority. Waiting times in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are matters for the devolved Administrations.
£15 million investment was announced in November 2001 for extra heart operations; the national health service is now working towards a 12-month maximum wait by March, which we are expecting to be achieved in most areas. The waiting and choice initiative from July will give patients who wait more than six months for their operation the choice to move to an alternative provider, which will mean a shorter wait for many.
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Average waiting times in cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology in Gloucestershire health authority and in England from the quarters ending March 2001 to December 2001 HA/quarter Total waiting Average1 waiting time (months) Cardiothoracic surgery Gloucestershire HA March 2001 83 2.8 June 2001 44 2.8 September 2001 104 3.0 December 2001 114 4.7 England March 2001 14.555 4.3 June 2001 14.230 4.3 September 2001 13.967 4.4 December 2001 13.744 4.3 Cardiology Gloucestershire HA March 2001 182 2.1 June 2001 125 2.1 September 2001 200 2.6 December 2001 198 2.4 England March 2001 23.702 2.7 June 2001 25.402 2.7 September 2001 25.173 2.7 December 2001 26.159 2.6 1Median