NHS Confederation calls for joined-up approach to waiting time targets

Greater collaboration between the different divisions of the NHS is necessary to ensure waiting time targets are being consistently met, according to the NHS Confederation.

The organisation has commented in response to a National Audit Office report showing an increase in the number of people each month waiting longer than 18 weeks without treatment, despite waiting time standards having been achieved on a national level.

It has also been brought to light that differences in data collation practices and human error are both undermining monitoring efforts, leading to recommendations that all trusts adopt the same methods and mechanisms.

More also needs to be done to ensure patients are aware of their rights and responsibilities and are empowered to take control of their own care.

NHS Confederation chief operating officer Matt Tee said: "The RTT target looks at a whole-system experience … so it is important that no single part of the health service is celebrated or vilified for it being achieved or missed."

The confederation is the membership body that brings together the full range of organisations that commission and provide NHS services, including trusts, clinical commissioning groups, primary care providers and independent bodies.