Menu
24/06/2004
Reid makes new NHS waiting list pledge
People who need an operation will wait no more than 18 weeks by 2008, Health Secretary John Reid has pledged today.
Announcing the government's new NHS improvement plan, the Health Secretary said that care would continue to be provided "according to need rather than ability to pay".
Dr Reid said that improvements to the NHS include: an average of 7.6% real terms growth in funding over the last four years; 67,500 more nurses and 19,000 more doctors; 68 new hospitals built, underway or planned; shorter waiting lists and waiting times; and a fall in deaths from cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Mr Reid said it was now time to renew the government's radical vision for the NHS, "offering to all our people equal access to, and the power to choose from, the widest possible range of services of the highest quality, based on clinical need and not ability to pay".
The NHS Improvement Plan sets out steps to shorten the patient journey from GP referral to treatment, ensuring an average wait of nine to 10 weeks by 2008 and a maximum wait of 18 weeks.
It will also give patients more information about and choice over their treatment. There will be a choice of four to five hospitals for patients needing to be admitted for elective care. By 2008 every patient referred by their GP will be able to choose to be treated at any facility in England that meets NHS standards and can provide care at the NHS price for the procedure they need, the Health Secretary said.
People with long-term conditions like diabetes, asthma and heart failure will get personalised care through plans to provide thousands of community matrons, roll out the Expert Patients Programme and ensure that the new contract for GPs delivers the best care for patients.
The Minister also said that the NHS needs to become more than just a "sickness service". A White Paper in the autumn will set out plans to tackle the major causes of ill health, like smoking, obesity and sexually transmitted infections.
He said the NHS Improvement Plan will "ensure that the greatest gift ever from the people of this country to the people of this country - our NHS - is able to meet the expectations of all our people in the 21st century".
(gmcg)
Announcing the government's new NHS improvement plan, the Health Secretary said that care would continue to be provided "according to need rather than ability to pay".
Dr Reid said that improvements to the NHS include: an average of 7.6% real terms growth in funding over the last four years; 67,500 more nurses and 19,000 more doctors; 68 new hospitals built, underway or planned; shorter waiting lists and waiting times; and a fall in deaths from cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Mr Reid said it was now time to renew the government's radical vision for the NHS, "offering to all our people equal access to, and the power to choose from, the widest possible range of services of the highest quality, based on clinical need and not ability to pay".
The NHS Improvement Plan sets out steps to shorten the patient journey from GP referral to treatment, ensuring an average wait of nine to 10 weeks by 2008 and a maximum wait of 18 weeks.
It will also give patients more information about and choice over their treatment. There will be a choice of four to five hospitals for patients needing to be admitted for elective care. By 2008 every patient referred by their GP will be able to choose to be treated at any facility in England that meets NHS standards and can provide care at the NHS price for the procedure they need, the Health Secretary said.
People with long-term conditions like diabetes, asthma and heart failure will get personalised care through plans to provide thousands of community matrons, roll out the Expert Patients Programme and ensure that the new contract for GPs delivers the best care for patients.
The Minister also said that the NHS needs to become more than just a "sickness service". A White Paper in the autumn will set out plans to tackle the major causes of ill health, like smoking, obesity and sexually transmitted infections.
He said the NHS Improvement Plan will "ensure that the greatest gift ever from the people of this country to the people of this country - our NHS - is able to meet the expectations of all our people in the 21st century".
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
24 March 2011
Patients Getting Improved NHS Care
A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health today.
Patients Getting Improved NHS Care
A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health today.
23 September 2004
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
12 November 2004
NHS waiting lists fall to 17-year low
The total number of people on NHS waiting lists has fallen to its lowest level in 17 years, according to statistics published today. The department of health figures revealed that those on waiting lists dropped by 4,500 to 856,600 in September this year.
NHS waiting lists fall to 17-year low
The total number of people on NHS waiting lists has fallen to its lowest level in 17 years, according to statistics published today. The department of health figures revealed that those on waiting lists dropped by 4,500 to 856,600 in September this year.
04 January 2005
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
