§ Clive EffordTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list the waiting times for cataract operations in each of the last 10 years for each NHS trust from(a) referral from GP to first consultation and (b) referral from GP to surgery; and if he will make a statement; [20853]
(2) how many patients diagnosed as suffering from cataracts in each of the last 10 years in each NHS trust (a) have undergone and (b) are awaiting surgery. [20854]
970W
SACN Member Member of SACN sub-group on salt Member of COMA (1994) Member of COMA Cardiovascular Review Group (1994) Member of COMA Panel on DRVs (1991) Member of COMA Panel on DRV Working Group on Minerals (1991) Participant at FPHM/BHF Workshop (1997) Member MAFF Consumer Panel (1999) Professor Alan Jackson (Chair) Yes Yes — — — — — Professor Peter Aggett Yes Yes — Yes Yes (Chair) — — Professor Annie Anderson — — — — — — — Professor Sheila Bingham Yes Yes — — — — — Professor John Cummings — — — — — — — Miss Gill Fine Yes — — — — — —
§ Ms BlearsData are not collected on waiting times from GP referral to a first outpatient appointment specifically for cataract patients, and data are not collected on the total wait from GP referral to a first outpatient appointment through to completion of surgery.
Instead, data have been provided from 1991–92 to 2000–01 on the length of time patients waited on the inpatient waiting list before being treated for cataract removal.
This Government are aware that some patients wait long periods of time for cataract removal. Cataract removal is one of the most commonly performed operations, particularly among the elderly. That is why we have set up the Action On Cataracts programme, led by the NHS Modernisation Agency. The programme aims to improve access to care and to reduce variations in waiting times for cataract removal patients. As part of the programme, local services are helped to identify their constraints and to find effective solutions.
Good practice guidance on treating cataract patients was issued to NHS Trusts, Health Authorities and Primary Care Groups in February 2000. In 2000–01 the sum of £22 million was allocated for "Action on" Cataracts to provide dedicated facilities to improve the patient pathway and to reduce waiting times.