§ Dr. HendronTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) when patients will need to wait less than 12 months for their first appointment with a cardiac surgeon;
(2) what plans he has to reduce the length of time patients wait for their first appointment with a cardiac surgeon.
§ Mr. HanleyThe majority of patients wait between three and 12 months for their first appointment with a cardiac surgeon. It is the Department's aim, in keeping with the patients charter, to ensure as soon as possible that all patients are seen within three months of the date of their referral to a surgeon.
In his recent report on cardiac surgery services, the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health and Social Services pointed to the inadequacy of the present arrangements for the management of the cardiac surgery outpatient waiting list at the Royal Group of Hospitals Trust. As a result the Department has asked the trust to review the handling of out-patients.
§ Dr. HendronTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the effect on patients' rights under the patients charter of refusal to go outside Northern Ireland for treatment.
§ Mr. HanleyIn the speciality of cardiac surgery a number of patients have declined the offer of treatment outside Northern Ireland. It may not be possible in these cases to offer treatment in the Province within the guarantee period set down in the patients charter. However, these patients will not lose their place on the cardiac surgery waiting list. Those requiring urgent treatment will continue to receive it as quickly as possible.
It is not expected that this situation will arise for any other treatments.