§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to collect and publish information from NHS trusts on waiting times for diagnostic testing; and if he will make a statement. [150541]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 28 January 2004]Data are not collected specifically on waiting times for diagnostic tests. Waiting times are collected on the consultant's main specialty. There have been no substantive changes to the basis on which waiting times are calculated during the lifetime of this Government.
The Government aims to improve access to diagnostic services and the Department is working in partnership with strategic health authorities and other stakeholders to ensure a responsive service.
§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish recent guidance which his Department has given to(a) health authorities and (b) NHS trusts 695W on the recording of waiting times for (i) diagnostic tests and (ii) consultant to consultant referrals; and if he will make a statement. [150542]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 28 January 2004]There has been no recent guidance issued by the Department.
The Department recently provided clarification on how angiographies should be recorded and reported.
Information on the recording of waiting times is available on the Department's website. Further advice is available directly from the Department via its mailbox.