Earl Howeasked Her Majesty's Government:
On which dates in each of the next six months they plan to publish the statistics relating to hospital waiting lists. [HL724]
§ Baroness HaymanIn England, hospital in-patient waiting list statistics are published monthly five or six weeks after the month end. The figures for 31 December 1998 will be published during the week commencing 8 February. The publication timetable for future months is currently under review.
Waiting list statistics for National Health Service hospitals in Scotland are published quarterly. Waiting list data for 31 December 1998 will be published in February as soon as the validated figures are available. From 1 July 1999 this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
Waiting list statistics for Wales are published monthly during the sixth week after the month end. The publication dates for the next four months are as follows.
Month ending Publication date 31 December 1998 10 February 1999 31 January 1999 10 March 1999 28 February 1999 7 April 1999 31 March 1999 12 May 1999 A new publication timetable for waiting list statistics relating to April onwards is being discussed.
Waiting list statistics in Northern Ireland are included in the Department of Health and Social Services' Charter Monitoring Report that is published on a quarterly basis. The Charter Monitoring Report is issued three months after each quarter end date. The dates of the next two reports are as follows.
Quarter ending Publication date 31 December 1998 End March 1999 31 March 1999 End June 1999