Government to crack down on ‘hidden’ waiting lists
The government is launching a crackdown on extended NHS waiting lists of more than 18 weeks.
Hospitals’ target time for treating non-urgent patients is 18 weeks, and they face a fine if patients are forced to wait for longer. But a reported 250,000 people are still in that bracket.
Ministers are concerned that once this period has passed, there is no incentive for hospitals treat people.
A Department of Health spokesman said that plans were under way to reduce waiting time.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said that the targets created by the Labour government had created hidden waiting lists.
“Because of Labour’s perverse approach, the NHS actually had an incentive not to treat patients,” he said.
“The new approach we will take from next year will clamp down on this practice. We will reduce the number of patients on hidden waiting lists, ensuring everyone gets access to the treatment they need.”
