Radical moves to cut hospital waiting lists

HOSPITALS in England will be paid to divert patients back into the community for treatment, under plans published by the NHS.

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Waiting lists have increased over three months

The new guidance will also introduce the first waiting-times target for community services as well as prioritising same-day GP appointments for patients in urgent need.

The moves are aimed at slashing waiting lists, which have increased for three consecutive months, and ensure 2.5 million fewer people are waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment by 2029.

The health service has also set a target for 85% of people with a cancer diagnosis to have their first treatment within two months of being referred to specialists by 2029. Since this 62-day measure was introduced the figure has never been higher than 71.7%.