§ Mr. John TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the practice of hospital appointments officers deferring putting patients on waiting lists until a time nearer an available appointment, with particular reference to the case of Mr. William Wood of Solihull. [73449]
§ Mr. HuttonPatients referred for a first outpatient appointment with a consultant should be placed on the outpatient waiting list from the date the referral was received by the Trust. Inpatients should be placed on the inpatient list from the date a consultant makes a decision to admit.
Unfortunately, Birmingham Heartlands and Solihull National Health Service trust have been unable to identify the individual patient referred to. Mr. Woods may wish to contact the trust, who would be happy to look into his circumstances. Alternatively, if the hon. Member would like to write to me giving further details and Mr. Wood's written consent to investigate, I will instruct my officials to look into the matter further.