§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact on hospital waiting list targets of the recent influenza outbreak. [104898]
§ Mr. DenhamDuring the winter, and particularly over the extended Millennium holiday, the National Health Service has quite rightly focused its attention on the high numbers of emergency cases, including those resulting from the current influenza outbreak. At this time of year, the NHS plans to treat fewer waiting list cases because of expected pressures, and the waiting list normally increases slightly. A seasonal rise in waiting lists is expected over the next couple of months, reflecting the planned priority the NHS has given to winter emergency admissions. This will not affect the achievement of the waiting list target.