§ David DavisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what call statistics have been collated for the East Riding NHS Direct call centre in Willerby for the last 12 months. [132412]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonIn the last twelve months (October 2002—September 2003), NHS Direct Tees, East and North Yorkshire handled 257,347 calls. For the corresponding time period in the previous twelve months (October 2001—September 2002), NHS Direct Tees, East and North Yorkshire handled 229,961 calls. This represents an 11 per cent. increase in call volumes.
§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what role NHS Direct is expected to have in Government schemes to offer patient choice. [129596]
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§ Mr. HuttonNHS Direct is currently involved in three pilot schemes to offer choice of hospital to national health service patients. NHS Direct's existing infrastructure and expertise is being used to support call centre based patient care advisers. Strategic health authorities are currently planning for the national roll-out of choice of hospital and booking. This will include their plans for the role and provision of telephone services to support booking and choice.
§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what schemes to offer patients choice in their NHS treatment will be operating in conjunction with NHS Direct. [129598]
§ Mr. HuttonA number of pilot schemes are currently offering patients choice over the hospital in which they receive their treatment. NHS Direct is involved in pilots in London, Greater Manchester and Surrey and Sussex, using its existing infrastructure and expertise to support call centre based patient care advisers. The experience and learning of the choice pilots will support the national roll-out of patient choice.