London Hospitals at 'High Risk' of Missing Treatment Deadlines

Summary

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A KEY government pledge to reduce waiting times for hospital treatment is in disarray as London trusts struggle to meet targets. The Standard can reveal that health bosses have identified at least four trusts at "high risk" of failing to treat patients within 18 weeks from GP referral. Crisis talks have taken place with another three London hospitals to tackle their patient backlogs. Specialist hospitals are also unable to meet the deadline of 31 December imposed by minister for treating 90 per cent of patients within 18 weeks of referral.

London hospital trusts struggling to meet targets include Whipps Cross, Newham, Barts, the London and Barking, Havering and Redbridge. Hardest hit have been those dealing with spinal, hip and joint complaints because of a shortage of specialists. The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore has confirmed it will not reach the 90 per cent target until January. A spokesman told the Standard: "There's currently an increased demand for staff in a number of specialities, in particular spinal surgery. We continue to review our workforce plans to ensure we have the required number of consultant staff. "We aim to meet the target in January despite significant challenges in spinal surgery."

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London Hospitals at 'High Risk' of Missing Treatment Deadlines

Great Ormond Street has resorted to offering parents of sick children the option of treatment 150...

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