§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines his Department issues as to the maximum time a patient should be required to wait for heart bypass surgery. [13248]
§ Mr. HoramUnder the patient's charter, all patients requiring heart bypass surgery and some associated procedures should be treated within 12 months of being placed on a waiting list. Patients are placed on a waiting list only if, in the opinion of the clinician responsible for their care, their condition is stable and does not require immediate attention. Exactly when a patient is admitted should be a matter for their doctor and should depend on their clinical need and the needs of other patients waiting for admission.
§ Mr. SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients died while awaiting operations for cardiothoracic procedures in the last year(a) in total and (b) by region. [13249]
§ Mr. HoramI refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Minister Without Portfolio, the then Minister for Health gave to the hon. Member for Bristol, South (Ms Primarolo) on 19 May 1994,Official Report, column 557.