§ Mr. HoggTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what action he is taking to reduce waiting times for an appointment to see a consultant neurologist at the Pilgrim hospital, Boston; [4018]
(2) if he will assess the length of waiting times for an appointment to see a consultant neurologist at the Pilgrim hospital, Boston; and if he will make a statement. [4017]
§ Yvette CooperThe vast majority of neurology outpatients—about 95 per cent.—are seen within 26 weeks and the average waiting time in England is 11.04 weeks. More than 58 per cent. of hospitals are able to give appointments within 13 weeks. However, we recognise that on occasions, some patients, like those at Pilgrim hospital, Boston, can wait a long time for neurology treatment.
The service at Pilgrim hospital is provided by consultants from Queen's medical centre, Nottingham. There have been difficulties in recruiting to this outreach service, but provision has been made to recruit to two additional posts, one of which will be based at Boston. 72W Additional clinics and support are also being provided from Sheffield. This will help us to meet the waiting times targets in the NHS plan.