§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement regarding his plans to investigate waiting list management at Dereford Hospital. [97826]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 9 November 1999]: Plymouth Hospitals National Health Service Trust failed to report 4 over-18-month waiters to the NHS Executive in June. The South West Regional Office of the NHS Executive have investigated how this occurred and, together with the National Patient Access Team, are reviewing Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust's waiting list management systems to ensure there is no recurrence.
Since June 1999 Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust has made changes in management including the appointment of a new clinical director and directorate manager for cardiac services together with the appointment of a new central waiting list manager. The Trust has revised its administrative procedures and is introducing a new patient administration computer system. In addition the Trust is making changes to the way the cardiac service is 660W delivered, including improving staffing levels to increase intensive bed capacity and changes in clinical practice for the timing of pre operative assessments and admissions.