 18 Weeks
Introduction
In June 2004 the NHS Improvement Plan (June 2004) set out an ambitious new aim:
“by 2008 no one will wait longer than 18 weeks from GP referral to hospital treatment. Most will be treated
more quickly.”
 To date,
reform has focused on outpatients and inpatients, with many initiatives making significant improvements,
specifically in the treatment of cancer and heart disease. The 18 weeks target is different from previous
waiting time targets, in that it addresses the whole patient pathway from referral up to the start of
treatment. In doing so, it will put an end to so called 'hidden waits' - the diagnostic and follow-up stages
which historically took weeks or months to complete and have never been measured systematically.
The 18 weeks target will be a significant change in the way peoples care is managed; a change
that will be felt by both patients and NHS staff. Patients who are referred to a specialist by their GP will
need to ensure that they are available to attend appointments and receive treatments within 18 weeks. Patients
who anticipate being unavailable during this timeframe (e.g. because they are going on holiday) are encouraged
to attend their GP practice when they know they will be available.
Targets
The 18 Week targets from December 2008 were:
Admitted (Inpatient / Daycase) Patients.....90%
Non-admitted (Outpatients) Patients..........95%
We will publish our performance against these targets in due course. Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is 18 weeks?
18 weeks is an initiative from the Department of Health which states that “by December 2008, the longest you
will wait after being referred by your GP until you start your treatment will be 18 weeks. Wherever possible
you will wait less than this.” Any hospital appointments, tests, scans or other procedures that you may need
before being treated will all happen within this maximum time limit.
2. What does 18 weeks mean to me?
18 weeks means:
-
A focus on ending the ‘culture of waiting’ in the NHS to improve the
overall patient experience through building on record low waiting times
-
Everyone who chooses to be treated within 18 weeks, and for whom it
is clinically relevant, will be treated in that timeframe
-
With these much lower waiting times and other changes taking place
across the NHS - like patient choice - GPs are likely to only refer patients on for treatment when they are
fit and their personal circumstances allow them to be treated
-
High quality care will continue to be provided
-
Diagnostic tests and outpatient appointments will be carried out
closer to home as more services are provided in the community and by GPs; increasingly, patients will only
need to go to hospital for specialist treatment
3. Do I need to do anything?
Yes. 18 weeks is a partnership between patients and healthcare professionals, each of whom has their own
responsibilities. For example, if you have a holiday booked or any other appointments please make your GP
aware before being referred for Hospital treatment. 4. Will I always be seen within 18 weeks?
Yes, unless it is clinically appropriate to wait longer, or you choose to delay treatment. Contact
For further information about the 18 week target please contact:
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital (01472) 875403
Scunthorpe General Hospital (01724) 290132
Goole and District Hospital (01724) 290172
E-mail: nlg-tr.PALS@nhs.net |
