Written question asked by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 15 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 October 2002. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Thursday, 24 October 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many people were waiting more than (a) six months and (b) 12 months as (i) in-patients and (ii) out-patients in England as at (A) 31st March 1997 and (B) the latest date for which information is available; and if he will make a statement. - Including table. (Holding answer 23 October 2002).

Answer: Mr. Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were waiting more than (a) six months and (b) 12 months as (i) in-patients and (ii) out- patients in England as at (A) 31 March 1997 and (B) the latest date for which information is available; and if he will make a statement. [75847] Mr. Hutton: [holding answer 23 October 2002]: The tables below show the number of patients still waiting for elective admission and a consultant outpatient appointment by length of time waiting at 31 March 1997 and the latest available date. Data are not collected on patients waiting over 12 months for a consultant outpatient appointment. Patients Waiting for Elective Admission: England (Responsible population based) _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Patients waiting Month end over 6 months over 12 months Mar-97 283,866 30,245 Aug-02 250,794 18,234 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Source: Department of Health form QF01 Patients Waiting for First Consultant Outpatient Appointment Following GP Referral: NHS Trusts in England _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Month end Patients waiting over 26 weeks Mar-97 70,689 Jun-02 1,145 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Source: Department of Health form QM08

Secondary information