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Health experts are raising concerns about the government’s ability to meet the NHS target of achieving an 18-week waiting time in England by the end of the parliament. An analysis by the Health Foundation suggests that waiting times are projected to remain over 20 weeks by July 2029 based on current trends. The think-tank also warns that the focus on reducing waiting times could potentially divert attention from other priorities within the NHS, such as enhancing access to GPs.
Since the 18-week target mandates that 92% of patients should wait less than the specified time, it has not been achieved for over a decade. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted waiting times as hospitals reduced routine care services. When Labour came into power, approximately 7.6 million patients were on waiting lists for procedures like knee and hip replacements, with only 58.8% waiting for less than 18 weeks. While there has been an improvement in this percentage over the past year, reaching 61.3%, it may not be adequate to meet the target as projected by the Health Foundation.
The analysis indicates that slightly more than a third of trusts are making the necessary progress outlined in the government’s waiting time plan from the beginning of the year. Concerns have been raised about potential challenges if referral rates increase unexpectedly, especially with the aging population. The ongoing dispute between resident doctor members of the British Medical Association and the government could further complicate matters, potentially impacting progress in reducing waiting times.
Dr. Francesca Cavallaro from the Health Foundation highlighted the progress made by the government in reducing waiting times but emphasized that meeting the 18-week standard by the end of the parliament may fall short based on current trends. While this remains a significant challenge, prioritizing the 18-week target could impede progress in other critical areas like improving GP access, which is a top priority for the public. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the improvements in productivity within the health service and attributed progress to increased funding, modern technology implementation, and extended working hours. However, strikes have posed challenges, with a call for collaboration from the BMA to drive down wait times and steer the NHS back on track. President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, Tim Mitchell, echoed the analysis findings, stating that without expanded surgical capacity, the government may struggle to meet its target
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