HC Deb 27 March 1984 vol 57 cc115-6W
Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to improve public access to hospital waiting list information.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

For many years the Welsh Office has produced from data provided by district health authorities a number of publications covering hospital waiting lists, including the "Health and Personal Social Services Statistics for Wales", the "Bed Use Statistics" and most recently "Key Statistical Indicators". With the growing interest of professional and lay opinion in analysis of the quality, adequacy and efficient use of health services have come requests for waiting list information to be brought together in an easily digestible form related to individual hospitals.

To meet that demand, the Welsh Office has produced a new, comprehensive booklet entitled "Welsh Hospital Waiting List Bulletin" which it is intended to produce twice a year, starting with waiting lists as at 30 September 1983. A copy of the booklet has been placed in the Library.

It is hoped that this booklet, which has been produced in close consultation with District Health Authorities and the medical profession, will be an aid to NHS management, a point of reference for health professionals and a source of information for the general public.