Barking and Havering Health Authority is taking steps to improve hospital services to residents.

In an effort to speed up the waiting process for operations, the authority is carrying out a review of the waiting list to help plan services for the future.

The authority has identified all patients on the waiting list and has contacted them to find out whether they still need their operations.

Sue Osborn and Susan Williams, joint chief executive of the health authority, said: "Waiting lists for all types of operations are long and often people find, for many reasons, that they no longer need to use our hospital services for operations.

"Sometimes people move away from the area and the last thing on their mind is to let the hospital know they have moved. If these people no longer need treatment locally it will mean that someone else can move further up the list."

Some patients may have recently been contacted by their GP or hospital. If this is the case they should respond to both letters and still keep any hospital appointments.

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