§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the performance of accident and emergency wards in England; and if he will make a statement. [76255]
§ Mr. LammyImproving patients' experience of emergency care is a Government priority.
The NHS Plan set the target to reduce the maximum wait in accident and emergency (A&E) from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge to four hours or less by 2004. By the time of the first milestone in March 2002, 77 935W per cent. of all patients attending A&E in England spent four hours or less in A&E. This slightly exceeded the milestone which was set at 75 per cent.
To help meet the NHS Plan target, the Reforming Emergency Care Strategy was launched in October 2001. This is a long-term programme of reform and investment to provide fast effective treatment in a modern and safe environment.