HC Deb 03 December 1997 vol 302 c269W
21. Mr. Walter

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to reduce hospital waiting lists in Wales. [17491]

Mr. Win Griffiths

Along with Emergency Admissions and ensuring that adequate intensive care facilities are available, cutting waiting lists and reducing waiting times continue to be a key priority for the Government and the NHS in Wales. I have recently announced plans to develop a strategy which will include fresh thinking and a new approach for a more effective means to tackle waiting lists and waiting times and their causes.

I expect the £9.548 million of additional money allocated to the NHS this year, will significantly help to ease the pressures on the health and social care system during the winter period while also restraining the growth in waiting lists and waiting times.

23. Mr. Ian Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the trend is in health service waiting lists in Wales; and what target he is working to for the next 12 months. [17493]

Mr. Win Griffiths

Between September 1996 and September 1997 the numbers of people in Wales waiting over six months for their first outpatient appointment have reduced by some 14 per cent., from 9,664 to 8,340 and since September 1994 by 74 per cent. from 31,825.

Those waiting over 12 months in Wales for inpatient or day case admission rose by 28 per cent. between September 1996 and September 1997 from 5,345 to 6,810 but since September 1994 decreased by 2 per cent. from 6,953.

Over 90 per cent. of patients are seen within the times set out in the Patient's Charter, but I am determined to improve on this and recently announced plans to develop a waiting times strategy which will include fresh thinking and a new approach to tackle the problems of waiting lists and waiting times.