HC Deb 24 May 2002 vol 386 cc682-3W
Miss Widdecombe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the waiting list times are for(a) CT scans, (b) MRI scans, (c) angiograms and (d) radiotherapy in each NHS trust in England and Wales at the latest date for which figures are available. [56914]

Mr. Hutton

We do not collect data on waiting times for computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, angiograms or radiotherapy. However we are taking action to improve access to services by investing in a programme of upgrading and expansion of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, as well as in staff training and streamlining of care processes.

The NHS Cancer Plan targets for waits from urgent general practitioner referral to first treatment cover the diagnostic phase of treatment and for some patients this will involve CT and/or MRI scans. The targets are to meet this standard for breast cancer by the end of 2002 and for all cancers by 2005. We are currently putting in place data collection mechanisms to show performance against this target.

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have waited over (a) 12 months and (b) 15 months for an operation in Hull and the East Riding. [57592]

Jacqui Smith

As at March 2002, 303 people in East Riding and Hull were waiting over 12 months for an operation, no one has been waiting over 15 months.