HOSPITAL patients in Huddersfield and the rest of Yorkshire are being treated faster than ever before.
Figures out today confirm that by the end of the year no patient in the region will have to wait longer than 18 weeks to receive treatment from the time they were referred by their GP.
A survey reveals that 85% of admitted patients and 90% of non-admitted patients in the region are already being treated within 18 weeks of being referred by their GP.
This puts Yorkshire ahead of their end of year target.
Margaret Edwards, the chief executive of NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “The NHS in the region has worked really hard to improve the service we offer local people.
“A big part of this effort has been ensuring the system works better.
“We can all remember stories of people having to wait unacceptably long times for NHS treatment. Today’s figures show those days are finally behind us.
“The majority of patients in Yorkshire and the Humber are already being seen quickly and by the end of the year no-one will wait longer than 18 weeks; a phenomenal achievement.’’
She added: “Every primary care trust in our region has exceeded their targets, which means we are ahead of schedule for reaching the final target at the end of the year.
“This is great news for patients. The quicker they get top-class NHS care and get on the road to recovery the better.”
Last month programme managers from Wakefield District PCT, Mid Yorkshire Hospitals and Kirklees PCT picked up a Health and Social Care Award by devising the Route to Solution campaign.
In this they worked closely with clinicians to find the best way to meet the 18- week target.
Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said: “This is wonderful news for the people of Yorkshire and Humberside.
“Ten years ago it was not uncommon to wait 18 months or more for treatment and people died languishing on waiting lists.’’
