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25/07/2005
Patients offered scan choice
Thousands of patients facing long waits for diagnostic tests such as MRI and CT scans are to be offered the choice of going to an alternative hospital to receive the scan more quickly.
The government's new 'choice of scans' programme, due to begin in November, will give around 80,000 patients referred for a non-urgent scan the choice of receiving earlier treatment at an alternative hospital.
Independent healthcare providers, as well as NHS trusts and foundation trusts, will be allowed to provide diagnostic scans for these patients.
The new scheme will initially be offered to patients waiting longer than 20 weeks for an MRI or CT scan, but it will be extended to patients waiting longer than 16 weeks for a number of other scans, including ultrasound and DEXA scans by April 2006.
The government hopes that the new scheme will eventually reduce waiting times for scans to a maximum of 20 weeks.
Announcing the scheme, Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "We know that many patients are caught in a 'bottleneck' of waiting for a scan or other diagnostic service, before they are referred for an operation. This can be a worrying and uncertain time for patients. To them it is very much part of the time they have to wait.
"This scheme will help to tackle this 'hidden waiting list'. We have already made it clear that by 2008 nobody will wait longer than 18 weeks from GP referral to their treatment in hospital. Speedier access to diagnostic tests is an essential part of achieving that.
"Whilst we build this capacity, I want to make sure that no patient has to wait longer than necessary for their scan if there is somewhere else in the NHS or independent sector that can provide it more quickly."
Ms Hewitt said that the most serious cases, such as those where cancer is suspected, are already fast-tracked for diagnostic tests. "However, those patients waiting for less urgent scans should still get them as soon as the NHS can provide. No NHS patient should wait unnecessarily if there is another hospital able to scan them sooner."
(KMcA/SP)
The government's new 'choice of scans' programme, due to begin in November, will give around 80,000 patients referred for a non-urgent scan the choice of receiving earlier treatment at an alternative hospital.
Independent healthcare providers, as well as NHS trusts and foundation trusts, will be allowed to provide diagnostic scans for these patients.
The new scheme will initially be offered to patients waiting longer than 20 weeks for an MRI or CT scan, but it will be extended to patients waiting longer than 16 weeks for a number of other scans, including ultrasound and DEXA scans by April 2006.
The government hopes that the new scheme will eventually reduce waiting times for scans to a maximum of 20 weeks.
Announcing the scheme, Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "We know that many patients are caught in a 'bottleneck' of waiting for a scan or other diagnostic service, before they are referred for an operation. This can be a worrying and uncertain time for patients. To them it is very much part of the time they have to wait.
"This scheme will help to tackle this 'hidden waiting list'. We have already made it clear that by 2008 nobody will wait longer than 18 weeks from GP referral to their treatment in hospital. Speedier access to diagnostic tests is an essential part of achieving that.
"Whilst we build this capacity, I want to make sure that no patient has to wait longer than necessary for their scan if there is somewhere else in the NHS or independent sector that can provide it more quickly."
Ms Hewitt said that the most serious cases, such as those where cancer is suspected, are already fast-tracked for diagnostic tests. "However, those patients waiting for less urgent scans should still get them as soon as the NHS can provide. No NHS patient should wait unnecessarily if there is another hospital able to scan them sooner."
(KMcA/SP)
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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.
