NHS 'to miss waiting times target'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The statistics will reveal that some patients are waiting over a year to be treated, the memo published in the Times reveals.

Labour has said that by the end of 2008 nobody, whether an in-patient or an out-patient, should have to wait more than 18 weeks from referral to the start of NHS treatment.

The email contains Department of Health advice to local health service communications managers on how to spin the disappointing figures, the Times reported.

It reportedly reveals that nationally 52% of hospital in-patients are currently waiting longer than 18 weeks.

The email, circulated by a press officer from the South Central Strategic Health Authority, says: "The data will show variations in referral to treatment waiting times across your area by provider and commissioner. It will also show differences by speciality.

"There will be some long waits - of up to, and in excess of, one year in some areas.

"There is a risk that the media's attention will focus around long waits, and make claims that these new, more transparent measures of waiting times undermine the effort to date to tackle waiting in the NHS."

Health Minister Andy Burnham said: "It is utter nonsense to suggest that the NHS faces a waiting list crisis.

"Quite the contrary - waiting times are at a record low, and we are on track to achieving the historic goal of eliminating waiting times by the end of next year. NHS staff are working hard to reduce waits right across the country, and we shouldn't belittle their achievements."