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Arthritis: Waiting Lists

Volume 490: debated on Monday 23 March 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking in respect of waiting times for follow-up treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. (264764)

Clinical priority is, and remains, the main determinant of when patients should be treated. We have repeatedly stated that those patients who are in greatest need should continue to be treated first. Good waiting list management is based on treating clinically urgent patients urgently and all other patients in turn chronologically. Working with their lead commissioner, primary care trusts need to ensure they have the necessary capacity in place to support this.