HC Deb 25 March 2003 vol 402 cc194-5W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on waiting times in emergency departments. [104235]

Mr. Lammy

Cutting waiting time in accident and emergency departments to improve the patient experience is a top priority for the national health service. The NHS Plan target is that no patient should wait over four hours in A&E from December 2004.

The NHS is engaged in a widespread programme of reform to deliver this, supported by the major £30 million Modernisation Agency emergency care collaborative programme.