§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures he proposes to take to reduce hospital waiting lists in Northern Ireland. [88916]
§ Mr. BrowneA wide range of measures is being taken to tackle hospital waiting lists. These include the expansion of existing bed capacity, the development of protected elective facilities, the provision of additional in-patient procedures, the development of community provision as an alternative to hospital treatment and the validation and improved management of waiting lists. To support this action, £5.5 million has been allocated in the current year and the additional £17.4 million provided for acute services in next year's budget will also help to improve access to hospital services.