§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health by what criteria his Department plans to measure the effectiveness of provisions made for(a) treating emergency accident and emergency admissions and (b) elective surgery in the period 1 October 1997 to 1 April 1998. [16659]
§ Mr. BoatengDuring the coming winter we expect health authorities and trusts to ensure that their first priority is to make adequate provision for emergency care. We expect health authorities to share the risks faced by National Health Service trusts in meeting unpredictable demand and for all concerned to work closely with other NHS agencies and with social services departments. In particular hospitals should not close unilaterally to hospital admissions.
320WWe have allocated additional funds which will be used both to ease the pressures on the health and social care system during the winter period and to restrain the growth in waiting times and waiting lists, starting by clearing all patients waiting over 18 months.
The NHS Executive will measure the effectiveness of provision through its normal management procedures.