NHS data shows mixed results for waiting times

The average length of hospital waiting times has increased in the last decade but decreased overall since the days of 18-month waits, according to new data.

As reported by the BBC, NHS figures show that while no one waits longer than six months in England, the average time has risen from 41 days in 1997-8 to 49 days last year.

Although many agree that the end of 18-month waits is a good thing, one expert argued that just because waits have shortened it cannot be assumed that patient care has improved.

“The government has put an end to the really long waits and the really short waits,” said
Jonathan Fielden, chairman of the British Medical Association’s consultants committee.

“Doctors have been stopped from using their clinical judgement and pushing people through the system when they need to be.”

Data obtained by BBC News also discovered certain trends dependent on what type of illness needs treatment.

It was found that while “big” falls have taken place for less major conditions such as dermatitis and eczema treatment, the average waiting time for some cancers has increased.

Meanwhile, the NHS was in the news again earlier this week after the abolition of parking charges at hospitals in Wales was announced.