The consulting firm BearingPoint has published research suggesting that without urgent action the Government’s 18-week referral to treatment target could prove unsustainable.
A major survey of PCTs, acute Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) suggests that the target could be threatened in 2009 by rising demand and soaring costs. Of particular concern is the revelation that 74% of the 80 PCTs, SHAs and Acute Trusts surveyed felt that they were facing a greater challenge in sustaining the target, than initially meeting the deadlines, and felt their resources were being “stretched” in the process. A majority also felt that demand was likely to increase and that the 18-week target would not solve the issue of waiting times, but simply change patients’ expectations. Other key findings included: • Only 14% of organisations had appointed a full-time individual to lead on delivery of “18 Weeks”. Of those that had, none had appointed a clinician. • Acute Trusts, rather than PCTs, were typically the delivery drivers for “18 Weeks”, indicating a heavy reliance on front line staff to hit targets. • Only 20% of respondents thought “18 Weeks”, even if successful, would end the waiting list issue. • 74% of respondents thought that quality improvement and extended hours/days opening would form the bedrock of the Government’s next wave of policy announcements in this area.
