§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many hospitals in the UK are equipped to perform flexible sigmoidoscopies;. [96070]
(2) what the average cost to the NHS for a (a) rigid sigmoidoscopy and (b) flexible sigmoidoscopy was in the last 12 months. [96072]
§ Ms BlearsThe national average costs of a rigid and flexible sigmoidoscopy are shown in the following table. These procedures can be undertaken in a variety of settings and the table reflects this. The costs shown are for the financial year 2001–02 ending on 31 March 2002.
Full details of these costs can be found in the "Reference Costs 2002", which is available in the Library. They are available to the public via the Department of Health's website.
£ Patient type Rigid Sigmoidoscopy Flexible Sigmoidoscopy In-patient: Elective elective 591 591 In-patient: Non-elective 435 435 Day Case 315 315 Out-patient 98 122
§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time is for a flexible or rigid sigmoidoscopy procedure in each hospital trust in England. [96073]
§ Ms BlearsInformation on waiting times for sigmoidoscopy procedures are not centrally available. Waiting times for consultant led inpatient elective admissions and consultant led first outpatient appointments following general practitioner referral are collected on the consultant's main speciality, not by procedure.