HC Deb 04 March 1994 vol 238 cc52-3W
Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of NHS waiting lists; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ancram

Additional funding to reduce waiting lists and times has been made available in the last two years and significant progress has been made over this period.

In March 1991 a total of 27,086 people were waiting for inpatient treatment, 8,600—32 per cent.—of whom were waiting more than one year, and 5,071—19 per cent.—more than two years. By the end of September 1993, the number waiting was down to 25,420, of whom 4,675—18 per cent.—were on the list for more than one year, while 1,041—4 per cent.—were on it for more than two years. I am confident that the charter guarantee of 18 months will be reached by the end of this year for most, if not all patients.

Although these figures represent a considerable achievement, the Government wish to see further progress as soon as possible. The chief executive of the HPSS management executive has written recently to boards urging continued and positive action on waiting lists and the position will be closely monitored at all times.