The text on this page has been created from Hansard archive content, it may contain typographical errors.
20.
Mr. Battle
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his Departments suspension policy with regard to waiting lists. [116543]
Mr. Hutton
Patients can be suspended from the waiting list for medical reasons that make them unfit for treatment or due to social reasons such as family commitments, holidays or other reasons. The period of suspension is then subtracted from the patients total waiting time.This guidance has been in place throughout the lifetime of this Government and was in place prior to the Government coming to power.