§ Mr. HobanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many out-patients were waiting for treatment between(a) 0 and 12 weeks, (b) 13 and 25 weeks and (c) over 26 weeks in the Portsmouth hospitals trust areas in (i) 1997, (ii) 1998, (iii) 1999, (iv) 2000 and (vi) 2001. [27681]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 16 January 2002]: Information is not collected centrally on out-patients waiting for between 0 and 12 weeks. Information in the table relates to Quarter two figures for the years 1997 to 2001.
271W
Portsmouth hospitals trust out-patients waiting times Quarter 2 figures Not seen 13 to 25 weeks Not seen 26 weeks plus 1997 2,273 793 1998 2,441 861 1999 3,185 753
Portsmouth hospitals trust out-patients waiting times Quarter 2 figures Not seen 13 to 25 weeks Not seen 26 weeks plus 2000 4,748 1,274 2001 4,231 1,249 Note:
The large increase between 1999 and 2000 is the result of incorrect counting procedures. This was picked up by Portsmouth hospitals trust and is now reporting in line with NHS Executive (south-east regional office) guidance.