NHS trusts working flat out to meet 18-week target

MPs have said that despite billions of pounds spent to tackle NHS waiting lists service recovery targets have been missed. NHS Providers submitted evidence to the Public Accounts Committee earlier this year.

Daniel Elkeles, chief executive, NHS Providers, said:

"NHS trusts are doing everything they can to meet the government’s ambitious target but need national support.  They are doing great work to bring the government’s 10-year health plan to life.

"While bringing down waiting lists, a lot of hospitals would like to do more planned treatment but haven’t the money to pay for it as they battle to balance the books amid record-high required savings.

"Trusts have upped action on planned care, above pre-pandemic levels, cutting the waiting list by about 230,000 since July last year. More community diagnostic centres, surgical hubs and more joined-up, strategic working with partners are paying off for patients. We need to build on the success of trailblazing trusts.

"The NHS-wide transformation we need requires significant government investment in community services and the primary care ‘gateway’ to keep people well and out of hospital to ease pressure on services and to support people at home while they’re waiting for their planned treatment.

"It’s a big task in the face of soaring demand but trust leaders and staff right across the NHS are working flat out to see patients as quickly as they can and to cut waiting lists."