[Closed] Can someone explain how the NHS 18 week thing works?

Does anyone know how the NHS 18 week maximum waiting time thing work please?

It doesn't. It's a PR gimmick.

How should it work in theory then?!

It's how their performance is measured internally. It is the metric they use. Things like quality of care are not taken into account, or have less importance. I'm sure you've read about the management structures in the NHS.

Stupid system as if you take it to the extreme, if all the patients die within the 18weeks, the NHS Trust benefit as the waiting list gets shorter.

I was on the waiting list for a new knee.
Out of the blue I got a letter telling me that as I'd been on the list for some time they were taking me off it. If I still needed treatment then I had to go back to my GP and start all over again.
Ergo...I was off the waiting list inside 18 weeks. I'd not had treatment, but some overpaid number cruncher in a back office will have met a target and no doubt been given a bonus for doing so.

Have you asked your wife ?

Have you asked your wife ?

She’s probably not allowed to do surgery at home ....because of health and safety and that

^^^ always scalpel sharp Perchy 🙂

The wording at the bottom of the letter says something to the effect the NHS constitution gives you a right to have your treatment within 18 weeks.

If you don’t they have to sort an alternative provider which I believe is of your choice. Mrs Danny hasn’t heard of it to be fair.

Information on the NHS website is sparse which again suggests it’s something they don’t want you to actually invoke.

This is about the most informative page:

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/hospitals/guide-to-nhs-waiting-times-in-england/

Last paragraph is the one that’s applicable in my case.

As your wife has been bumped she should speak to the consultant's secretary to find out what is going on, gently remind them of the 18 week target and to make sure they know you are keen when they are drawing up the surgery lists.

There should be some guidance/Q&A on the Hospital Trust's website about policy and option. Most have a policy to rebook with X weeks for cancelled op ( but still within the 18 weeks). If 28 weeks is likely to be broken then option of an alternative provider including private should be available.

But really have a word with the consultant's office - I've usually found them helpful for both me and Mrs OD having elective surgeries over the last few years.

no doubt been given a bonus for doing so.

OP: Speak to the hospitals PALS (patient advice and liaison service) office for advice. Alternatively, I'm sure the consultant could refer you to a private hospital where (s)he can treat you.

Great stuff - thanks all. The waiting list coordinator who I’ve got on good terms with is back tomorrow so I’ll see what she says.

As it stands I do have a new date for early April now but nothing to say that won’t get bumped too.

Hopefully you'll get sorted, limited beds means when an emergency comes in then the lower priority ones get bumped down.

No, wait it's so management types like me get their bonus. 🙄

Hopefully you’ll get sorted, limited beds means when an emergency comes in then the lower priority ones get bumped down.

It’s not even beds in this case. There’s only a couple of surgeons who can do my op and my one only has a list Weds & Fri and an urgent oncology case has come up.

Part of me feels like a bit of a dick for feeling so annoyed given the circumstances but by the same token-its pretty major surgery and with a week to go I was all prepared for it.

Will have a chat with the lady with the list tomorrow and see what she says.

Ime it means diddly squat. Spoke with GP practice who contacted hospital who told them that they were busy and, no, I couldn't have op done elsewhere. Ended up going private due to pain and referred pain from being lop-sided.

"Most efficient health system in the world", utter bollocks.

Edit: my name was left on the NHS waiting list, received a call some 7 months later with a date for surgery.

It's a target and nothing more. It means that the Trust will aim to treat you within that time frame, but IME they only start to worry at the 40-52week stages when they're likely to get fined if they don't treat.

“Most efficient health system in the world”, utter bollocks.

Most are doing what they can with the limited (and getting smaller) resources they have. They're not bloody miracle workers

It’s a target and nothing more. It means that the Trust will aim to treat you within that time frame, but IME they only start to worry at the 40-52week stages when they’re likely to get fined if they don’t treat.

That’s not what the blurb says. The blurb says you have a right to be treated within 18 weeks or they have to sort alternatives.

I’ll have a chat with my contact at the hospital tomorrow and see what if any mileage there is in it.

Treatment under the NHS Charter can be

1.tests, scans, procedures... (if your clinician says "try this and come back in 3 months") that resets the 18week referral until that 3 months is up

2. Medication (you get prescribed something) , that resets the clock

3. Referred somewhere else, that resets the clock

Most trusts are canny and will do something in the 18 weeks window, some will evidence it (you being bumped for urgent care, for instance) some won't bother (as they're already financially strapped for instance) and don't get worried until they're fined.

Hope you get seen soon

Luckily I don’t tick any of those three I don’t think. Can’t really give me meds for what I’ve got and I’ve had all the scans a long time ago and there’s nowhere they can refer me to.

We’ll see - I’ll feed back either way 🙂

Sorry, I can be any  more help really. Most Trusts are struggling with 18 weeks waits for something or another

Don't vote tory