NHS targets

NHS Targets

Graph showing 4-hour wait times in A&E from 2011 to 2018

NHS targets are specific performance goals set for the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. These targets are designed to ensure that the NHS provides timely and effective care to patients. They cover a range of services, including emergency care, cancer treatment, and elective surgery.

History

The concept of NHS targets was introduced in the late 1990s as part of a broader effort to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services in the UK. The targets were intended to provide clear benchmarks for performance and to drive improvements in patient care.

Key Targets

Emergency Care

One of the most well-known NHS targets is the four-hour wait target for Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments. This target requires that 95% of patients attending A&E should be seen, treated, admitted, or discharged within four hours of arrival. This target aims to reduce waiting times and improve the flow of patients through emergency departments.

Cancer Treatment

NHS targets for cancer care include the two-week wait target, which mandates that patients referred by their general practitioner (GP) with suspected cancer should see a specialist within two weeks. Additionally, there is a 62-day target from urgent GP referral to the start of treatment for cancer patients.

Elective Surgery

For elective surgeries, the NHS has set targets to ensure that patients do not wait excessively long for their procedures. The 18-week referral to treatment target is a key benchmark, aiming to ensure that patients receive treatment within 18 weeks of being referred by their GP.

Challenges and Criticisms

Chart showing A&E attendances over time

While NHS targets have been credited with improving certain aspects of healthcare delivery, they have also faced criticism. Some argue that the focus on meeting targets can lead to unintended consequences, such as "gaming" the system or prioritizing target achievement over patient care. Additionally, the pressure to meet targets can be challenging for NHS staff, especially during periods of high demand or limited resources.

Recent Developments

In recent years, there has been ongoing debate about the effectiveness and appropriateness of NHS targets. Some policymakers and healthcare professionals advocate for a more flexible approach that considers the complexity of healthcare delivery and the varying needs of patients. There have been discussions about revising or replacing certain targets to better align with current healthcare priorities and challenges.

Related Pages

• National Health Service
• Healthcare in the United Kingdom
• Accident and Emergency
• Cancer treatment