§ Dr. ReidTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what new proposals he has to cut waiting lists for operations within the National Health Service.
§ Mr. Newton[holding answer 2 February 1988]: The waiting list fund will be increased from £25 million to £30 million for 1988–89. On 18 December 1987 I wrote to the chairman of regional health authorities setting out our objectives for the waiting list initiative in 1988–89.
We are making the reduction of waiting time our prime objective, giving particular attention to serious or disabling conditions. As a first step, we are asking regions to adopt, as some aleady have, a target-based approach to waiting time.
We also want to see every district develop a local statement of policy on out-patient and in-patient waiting times, particulary for the major specialties and most frequently occurring conditions. Such a statement can flow only from constructive discussion between clinicians and managers and must take into account local services, rates of demand, facilities and resources.
278WThe consultant subsequently took legal action which resulted in a divisional court ruling that the Secretary of State's decision was invalid and that the case should be reconsidered. It is now being reviewed and a decision will be taken as soon as possible.
Because of concern about the length of time taken in such disciplinary cases, a working party including representatives of the Department, the professions and the NHS is currently reviewing the procedures.