§ Viscount Hanworthasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will act to eliminate excessive time delays before National Health Service patients are able to see a consultant, in view of the fact that such delays can cause mental strain to the patient, particularly when the complaint may be easily curable.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Hooper)We are determined to reduce long waiting times for hospital treatment, whether for out-patient consultation or in-patient and day case treatment. Regional health authorities are agreeing targets with their districts for the reduction of waiting time and the Government's £35 million Waiting List Fund in 1991–92 will enable them to maintain progress.