RCS England responds to Health Foundation analysis

Responding to the Health Foundation analysis ‘Government’s plan for 18-week NHS waiting times: is it realistic?’, Mr Tim Mitchell, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) said: 
  
“This analysis should offer food for thought to the government. Too many patients are enduring months of pain and anxiety on waiting lists and it is positive that the NHS has set out a clear plan for how it will improve waiting times for patients. 
  
“The NHS can only work within its means. As the Health Foundation research recognises, aiming to treat 65% of patients within 18 weeks by March 2026 might be a realistic ambition but at the current pace of improvement, the government may fall short of meeting its 92% target by the end of this Parliament. Success will require the proposed reforms to work and investment in NHS infrastructure, updating IT and strengthening the surgical workforce.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams, at all stages of their careers. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research, and championing the best outcomes for patients.  
2. For more information, please contact the Press Office: Telephone: 020 7869 6053/6054/6047; Email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; Out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056.