Strains on NHS blamed for increase in waiting times

NHS waiting times are rising as financial strain on the healthcare system begins to show.

New figures from health charity The King’s Fund reveal that waiting times are at their highest level for three years with nearly 15 per cent of hospital inpatients waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment in February 2011.

A report highlights a steady increase in waiting times for hospital treatment since the Government relaxed the 18-week target in June 2010, the charity said.

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King’s Fund chief economist Professor John Appleby said: “With hospital waiting times rising, the NHS faces a considerable challenge in maintaining performance as the financial squeeze begins to bite.”

He warned that hospitals no longer have targets for waiting times in place but instead each has “a vague commitment”.

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