NHS ‘is well placed to improve’

The chief executive of the NHS has said that the health service is on course to deliver its major pledges to the public, while a combination of financial stability and important reforms mean that it is well-positioned to improve services for patients.

According to the second report from David Nicholson, the NHS is on track to transforming the waiting experience for patients, with a reduction of waiting times form referral to treatment to a maximum of 18 weeks.

It is also well-placed to deliver the target on healthcare acquired infections to halve the rates of MRSA, while reducing waiting times for cancer patients.

Mr Nicholson said: “The NHS is in good shape. We are on track to deliver hugely ambitious promises on waiting times and healthcare acquired infections.

“This is thanks to the remarkable efforts of our staff, every day, all around the country.”

He added that more work must be done however to continue this progress, adding that the NHS Next Stage Review has provided an opportunity to bring about genuine and lasting improvements for patients.

Last week, official government figures revealed a drop in waiting times for diagnostic tests on the NHS, including MRI and CT scans and audiology and gastro function examinations.