Bedford Hospital Hits National Waiting Time Target, England

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 30 Oct 2008 - 5:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

BEDFORD Hospital has met the national 18 week waiting time target three months ahead of schedule meaning patients referred for treatment are being seen more quickly than ever before.

The Government set all NHS Trusts a target of starting treatment for all patients sent to hospital within 18 weeks of referral by their GP by December 2008.

Bedford Hospital is already hitting and, in some specialties like ear, nose and throat (ENT), bettering the 18 week target, with some patients having all their diagnostic tests, consultant appointments and treatment in as little as five weeks from their GP referral.

The ENT department, which treats patients with a range of conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, head and neck, has also introduced direct booking, meaning patients can choose their operation date either in clinic when they are seen or over the phone a few days later.

ENT Consultant, Tim Hoare, said: "We have worked extremely hard to reduce waiting times, providing better, faster access for patients who are often worried about or debilitated by their condition.

"Seeing and treating patients more quickly means patients are subjected to less anxious waiting for an appointment with a consultant. We are also able to start any treatment needed much sooner, which can be very beneficial.

"Direct booking also allows patients to choose their operation date, based on what is most convenient for them. It allows patients to fit their admission around existing commitments, and means they are less likely to cancel or not attend, resulting in less wasted time and more availability for patients needing treatment and care."

The national 18 week target is that 90 per cent of patients will have started their treatment within 18 weeks from their GP referral by December 2008.

Overall, Bedford is treating just over 90 per cent of patients within this time frame. In some specialties, including general medicine, gastroscopy, cardiology, medical oncology, neurology, paediatrics, rheumatology, breast surgery and haematology, 100 per cent of patients are being treated within 18 weeks of their GP referral.

Chief Operating Officer, Lisa Hunt, said: "The achievement of the 18 weeks target is fantastic news for patients as it means they are being seen quicker than ever before.

"Although the target is to treat 90 per cent of patients within 18 weeks of GP referral, in many specialties we are treating 100 per cent of patients in less than 18 weeks.

"There is still work to do to bring all our specialties up to this standard and improve our access times further, but we are confident we can continue to improve on our waiting times, for the benefit of our patients."

Bedford Hospital NHS Trust