The NHS in England is facing challenges with long waiting times for hospital treatment, with 2,703 patients waiting at least 18 months to begin treatment as of the end of September. The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital alone had 168 patients in this category, making up 6.2% of the total number of patients waiting over 18 months. Additionally, there were 249,343 patients waiting at least a year to start treatment. To address this issue, efforts are being made to accelerate elective recovery, increase elective and day case activity, and enhance the number of outpatient appointments and follow-ups for patients. This includes holding additional theatre lists and clinics on weekends and providing treatment options at other hospitals.
In response to the long waiting times, the Department of Health and Social Care has pledged to take action by delivering an additional 40,000 appointments per week. A spokesperson emphasized the importance of addressing the issue head on, stating that patients have been waiting too long for necessary care. The pressure to reduce wait times is aided by an increase in funding secured at the Budget, which has already led to a decrease in the size of the waiting list in September. The additional investment is aimed at further cutting waiting lists, ensuring that patients are seen faster, and building a more efficient and effective NHS for the future.
Efforts to address the long waiting times include prioritizing elective recovery and increasing the number of appointments and follow-ups available to patients. By holding extra theatre lists and clinics on weekends, patients are given more options for treatment and care. There is a commitment from the Department of Health and Social Care to tackle the issue directly, with plans to deliver 40,000 additional appointments per week. The goal is to reduce waiting lists and ensure that patients receive the necessary care in a timely manner.
Overall, the NHS in England is working to improve access to care for patients by tackling long waiting times for hospital treatment. Efforts to accelerate elective recovery, increase activity levels, and enhance appointment availability are underway to address the issue. The Department of Health and Social Care is committed to delivering additional appointments to reduce waiting lists, improve patient outcomes, and build a stronger healthcare system for the future. By addressing the challenges of long waiting times, the NHS aims to provide better and more efficient care to patients in need.
