More NHS patients in the East Midlands are being treated quicker than ever before.
The NHS in the East Midlands has come top for beating national targets on waiting times. Referral to Treatment (RTT) figures released today reveal the region performs the best in England for starting inpatients and out-patients treatment within the national target of 18 weeks.
From 1st January 2009, the NHS in England was set two 18 week targets to help patients be treated quicker. The idea was that if a GP believes a patient needs treatment in hospital in 90 per cent of cases that treatment should start within 18 weeks or sooner. Also, that if a patient needs to be treated as an outpatient in 95 per cent of cases that treatment should start within 18 weeks or sooner.
In the East Midlands the NHS is ahead of the national target with 94 per cent of inpatients and 98 per cent of outpatients being treated before 18 weeks. These figures show that we are now delivering the shortest waiting times since records began.
Patients also have more say in their care, such as deciding which hospital they wish to be treated at or delaying their treatment for occasions like weddings and holidays.
A recent poll of patients who have been treated within 18 weeks has shown that the region is not only excelling on waiting times but patients are also happy with their wait and their involvement in decisions about their care and treatment (94 percent).
It also showed that over 90 percent of patients were able to be treated in their first choice of hospital.
The polling also revealed that when patients received their treatment, 80 per cent felt they were treated with dignity and respect during their stay.
Barbara Hakin, Chief Executive of NHS East Midlands said: “We are very proud to be in the position of offering patients in the East Midlands the shortest waiting time for treatment in the country. This great success is down to the hard work of all our staff.
"From the polling we know that patients are happy with the care they receive and are able to go to the hospital of their choice, and this is very important.
“We will strive to continue beating the national 18 weeks target on waiting times and to provide a high quality of patient care.”
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said: “I would like to congratulate staff in East Midlands on their fantastic performance against the 18 weeks target.”
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact NHS East Midlands communications team on 0115 9684468.
