§ 26. Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department is undertaking into factors affecting hospital out-patients waiting times. [85023]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Department is committed to undertaking a major research programme to improve our understanding of factors affecting both in-patient and out-patient waiting lists and times.
Research projects already agreed include an evaluation of the National Booked Admissions Programme and a review of research evidence on strategies to improve the appropriateness of general practitioner referrals.