§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what(a) geographical, (b) financial and (c) provider restrictions 854W there are on the range of hospitals patients can choose to utilise, should their operations be cancelled at the last minute and not rescheduled within 28 days. [15050]
§ Mr. HuttonFrom April 2002, when a patient's operation is cancelled by the hospital on the day of surgery for non-clinical reasons, the hospital will have to offer another binding date within a maximum of the next 28 days or fund the patient's treatment at the time and the hospital of the patient's choice. Patients may choose national health service or private treatment and the NHS will fund the operation. Trusts will met the cost from their existing budgets.