The Wait is over…

We are working hard to make sure waiting lists for NHS treatment come to an end soon.

The 1990s were defined by long, seemingly never ending waiting lists because the Tories refused to properly invest in the NHS. No targets and a lack of facilities and staff meant that you could wait up to THREE years to be treated. It simply wasn't good enough, it caused distress to many and lives were lost.

This is why one of Labour's main aims has been to get rid of NHS waiting lists, and through investment and transformation, the NHS will be treating people within 18 weeks of referral by 2008. In fact the average treatment time will be under just ten weeks.

Thirteen health areas have pledged to meet the Labour Government's 18 week treatment target a full year ahead of schedule and are on course to achieve this.

Patricia Hewitt MP, Labour's Health Secretary said:

"Getting faster treatment will mean better health and less worry for everyone. The NHS has been caring for people since Labour created it and achieving the 18 week target will give patients a much better experience."

She said the announcement showed that the 18 week pledge was achievable and that the NHS was keen to lead the transformation of services required to deliver faster treatment and improved patient care.

Andy Burnham MP, Labour's Health Minister said: "Reaching our target of 18 weeks will be a major achievement in the 60th anniversary year for the NHS. Our health service will be transformed into a more streamlined and productive quality health service and we want staff to be in the lead on this. Having driven down waiting times to their lowest ever, it is the right time to press for even further improvements to patients."

The service the NHS provides is unique, excellent and dependable. Labour is proud of it.