HC Deb 18 June 2002 vol 387 c232W
23. John Mann

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to expand the number of day surgery units in hospitals. [59144]

Mr. Hutton

The Government are investing in the big est building programme in the history of the national health service, including the new day surgery unit at Bassetlaw district general hospital.

We are also building a new model of diagnostic and treatment centres, which will make a significant contribution to increasing capacity for day surgery. In addition, we are working towards maximising the capacity in existing day surgery units, and I have asked Professor Ara Darzi to develop a strategy to help units to improve their throughput.