§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the steps being taken to reduce the number of operations cancelled at short notice. [40827]
§ Mr. HuttonFrom 1 April 2002 any patient whose operation is cancelled by the hospital on the day of surgery for non-clinical reasons will be offered another binding date within a maximum of the next 28 days or can choose to have their treatment funded at the time and hospital of the patient's choice.
On 5 March 2001, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced that the NHS Modernisation Agency would be developing good practice in operating theatres and ensure this is spread throughout the NHS. Initial guidance was issued in December 2001. Further guidance to improving operating theatre performance will be published later this year.
In addition. £8.5 million has been made available to assist NHS trusts in reducing cancelled operations. NHS trusts with the greatest challenges will receive £75,000 to fund a full-time manager and support from doctors to tackle the problem. They will have to meet specific targets set by the Modernisation Agency and their performance will be subject to monthly reviews. All other trusts will receive up to £35,000 incentive funding to help them reduce the number of cancelled operations.
108WThe Government have also taken a number of other steps that will contribute to the reduction of cancelled operations.
A £100 million programme of investment was announced in November 2001. This will contribute to reducing hospital bed occupancy rates by purchasing additional operations in the private sector.
NHS Plan target to have 20,000 more nurses, midwives and health visitors, 7,500 more consultants, 2,000 more GPs and 6,500 more therapists and other health professionals by 2004.
Introduction of on-the-spot booking systems to ensure hospitals organise their clinic slots and theatre sessions more productively.
A programme of investment in NHS facilities, including Diagnostic and Treatment Centres, to create additional acute capacity and separate the bulk of routine elective care from competing emergency pressures.