Hospital Waiting Lists

HC Deb 02 December 1986 vol 106 cc615-6W

Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further provisions are being made to reduce hospital waiting lists.

Mr. Newton

In addition to action already in hand by health authorities to reduce hospital waiting lists and times by better management of current and planned general National Health Service resources, my right hon. Friend has established a fund totalling £50 million over two years, within which health authorities will be able to bid for money for specific initiatives to reduce waiting lists and/or times. The money will go to health authorities which can demonstrate that they are managing existing resources effectively and that some specific addition would enable them to make faster progress.