§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time is for routine appointments at ENT clinics in(a) England and Wales and (b) Portsmouth. [62489]
§ Mr. MilburnInformation on average waiting times for an outpatient appointment are not collected centrally. However, in England during the second quarter of 1998–99, 72 per cent. of patients were seen within 13 weeks of a general practitioner written referral for a first outpatient appointment at an ear nose and throat clinic, with 95 per cent. of patients seen within 26 weeks.
During the same period, in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Health Authority 93 per cent. of patients were seen within 13 weeks of a GP written referral for a first outpatient appointment at an ENT clinic, with 97 per cent. seen within 26 weeks.
Waiting times at ENT clinics in Wales are a matter for my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Wales.