§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the main factors according to the information available to his Department for the cancellation of operations in hospitals.
§ Mr. FreemanStatistical information on reasons for the cancellation of operations is not held centrally. A study of 12 hospitals carried out in 1988 by the Department's value for money unit showed that planned levels of theatre utilisation were affected by factors including: patients not attending; absence of medical staff; emergency procedures; equipment breakdown; and unavailability of technicians. In many cases it is possible to reallocate sessions. The Department is currently consulting health authorities and others about guidance following the recommendations made in the study report. These include a suggested 90 per cent. target level for operating theatre utilisation. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library.