§ Ms JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the extent to which waiting times for elective general surgery in the coming financial year in the Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth health authority accord with the patients charter. [5380]
§ Mr. MaloneMerton, Sutton and Wandsworth health authority has not yet finalised its purchasing plan for 1997–98 nor agreed any contracts with provides of surgical services. In common with every other health authority in the country, Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth will work with its providers to ensure that all patients are treated within the time limit set by the patient's charter.