Nearly half of all patients are currently being treated within 18 weeks, a year and a half ahead of schedule, according to the first official figures produced by the Department of Health today.
The statistics show that of those patients who started their treatment in March 2007, 48% waited no more than 18 weeks following the initial referral by their GP – an improvement on snapshot figures released in December 2006 which showed that 35% of patients received treatment within 18 weeks.
This new way of measuring waits captures every stage of the patient journey, including waiting for diagnostic tests and outpatient appointments. It will help improve performance across the country so that no patient will be waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment by December 2008.
The data also includes regional and speciality breakdowns for the first time, showing performance across the country. There are some specialities such as gastroenterology and general medicine where patients have a greater chance of being seen and treated very quickly. For general medicine, 70% of patients are seen within 18 weeks and for gastroenterology 76% are seen within 18 weeks.
Health Minister Andy Burnham said:
“Today’s figures show the NHS firmly on course to achieve the historic goal to end waiting in its 60th anniversary year.
“This information will reflect – for the first time – patients’ real experience from GP referral through to treatment and provide an essential measure of performance to help the NHS effectively end waiting by the end of next year.
“These statistics show we still have a challenge ahead of us to meet the highest standards, but overall they are hugely encouraging. They will help the NHS deliver an even better service for patients.
“This information is not just for Trusts to act on. The data shows that there are particular challenges in orthopaedics, which is why we have bought forward plans to give patients free choice of any hospital in the country for their operation.”
Neil Betteridge, Chief Executive of Arthritis Care and 18 weeks Patient and Public Champion, said:
“Currently many people with long term conditions, such as arthritis, are in long queues and the wrong queues – that’s why the Government has set the 18 weeks target. For the first time in nearly 60 years, this initiative will tackle waiting from the patient’s perspective and will I hope, bring an end to waiting in the NHS,” “By 2008, patients can expect to be treated within a maximum of 18 weeks of their GP referring them, but urgent cases will be seen more quickly.”
Currently the statistics measure six out of ten patient journeys. By the beginning of next year, all patient journeys will be covered.