A new initiative by the NHS and Government aims to significantly reduce waiting times for millions of patients by providing faster diagnosis and treatments. The recently announced plan allows GPs to directly refer patients for tests, scans, and checks without the need for a prior consultation with a specialist.
This approach will expedite diagnoses, particularly for conditions like asthma in children, post-menopausal bleeding, and breathlessness.
The objective is to ensure that 90% of patients receive care within 18-weeks, with faster follow-ups, including same-day consultations.
Under the reforms, thousands more patients will receive a diagnosis and treatment date within a single day, providing people with peace of mind or a clear way forward for their treatment.
The initiative also emphasises improving patient experience, offering support for those awaiting surgery, and addressing health inequalities.
Secretary of State, Wes Streeting, said:
“As patients, we’ve all experienced the hoops you have to jump through to get the test or scan you and your GP know you need. It’s a waste of patients’ time, delays diagnoses when every minute matters, and means consultants are forced to tick boxes rather than treat patients."
Furthermore, NHS staff will receive training to enhance service delivery, and hospitals will have a dedicated patient experience champion. This ambitious reform seeks to reduce waiting lists and enhance overall patient care.
Source:
NHS England news