Delivering an 18 week patient pathway from GP referral to the start of treatment from the end of 2008 was a key objective for the NHS. The 18 week target is different from previous waiting time targets as it addresses the whole patient pathway from Referral to the start of treatment. Most patients should be seen and treated within 18 weeks although the target allows for some complex pathways to take longer should that be in the clinical interests of the patient. For patients whose treatment can be provided in an outpatient setting the target is for 95% of pathways to complete in 18-weeks and for those patients requiring an admission to hospital the target is 90%.
At the Royal Free a dedicated team have been working with the clinical services to help the Royal Free achieve the 18 week pathway for its patients. The target applies to new pathways and some planned and follow up care is excluded. If you require more information regarding 18 weeks please see the national 18 week website or contact Kerry Tinkler, 18 week project manager on 020 7317 7634 or via email kerry.tinkler@royalfree.nhs.uk