§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting times have been in each of the last six years for cardiology appointments; and if he will make a statement. [126006]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe average waiting times for cardiology appointments in each of the last six years is shown in the table.
Average waiting times (weeks) 1997–98 6.77 1998–99 7.43 1999–2000 7.95 2000–01 8.15 2001–02 6.83 2002–03 6.34 At Quarter 4 of 2002–03, 81 per cent, of patients were seen within two weeks of referral by their general practitioner or other clinician.