IHPN responds to latest NHS waiting list stats

Responding to the latest monthly NHS performance figures, David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), said:

“These latest figures show that there is a significant hill to climb if Government is to ensure that the 18 week NHS target can be met once again, with just 59% of patients currently being seen within this timeframe.

“While it will not be easy to meet this target, IHPN analysis has found that overall NHS activity needs to immediately increase by around 21% of current levels to enable 92% of patients can be seen within 18 weeks, which is stretching but achievable.

“Independent providers have already removed over 1 million people from the NHS waiting list this year and collectively are able to do even more. An estimated 90,000 appointment slots are made available each month by the sector but currently go unused by the NHS. Tackling this would alone increase the number of patients treated in the independent sector by 20% – going a long way to setting the NHS on track to deliver improved access.”