§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he has taken to reduce hospital waiting lists; and if he will make a statement. [89854]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesSince April 1997, the Government have invested £58 million to help NHS Wales reduce waiting lists and cope with increased pressures from emergency medical admissions during the winter months. An additional £19 million per year has been made available recurrently from 1999–2000.
Between March 1997 and March 1999 in-patient and day case waiting list figures fell from 67,609 to 65,315, following a peak of 76,016 in August 1998.
Since then, in-patient and day case waiting list figures have increased and stood at 67,732 at the end of May 1999.
Bringing waiting lists down remains a priority for the Government.
Following the transfer of functions on 1 July 1999, waiting lists are now a matter for the National Assembly for Wales to address.