Surgeons respond to new IFS analysis on NHS 18-week target

Responding to new analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), Mr Tim Mitchell, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: 
 
“This new analysis reinforces the mammoth task the NHS faces to meet the government’s 18-week target. 
 
“Our members tell us over and over that NHS buildings that are falling to pieces, and archaic IT systems, are a daily barrier to increasing productivity, and getting more patients the care they need more quickly.   
 
“Surgeons have welcomed this government’s investment in surgical hubs, including additional hubs announced as part of the elective reform plan due to come on stream by this summer. They are proven to help reduce waiting times. 
 
“However, with many of the new hospital programme projects now significantly delayed, if we want to see real progress on the waiting list, the government must further increase what it puts in to address the £13.8 billion maintenance backlog NHS hospitals are facing.

Further commenting on the suggestions the IFS makes for how the government can improve waiting times, Mr Mitchell added:

"It is certainly true that targeting long waiters will have a greater impact on average waiting times and the proportion of patients waiting less than 18 weeks. This needs to be done in a way that is clinically appropriate. Shorter waiting clinically urgent cases should be prioritised over longer waiters."

ENDS

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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.
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