(2) at what point of treatment the 18-week waiting time initiative begins; and whether it will be extended to specialised services;
(3) what support and guidance will be provided by his Department to primary care trusts in England in relation to the implementation of the 18-week waiting time initiative; and if he will make a statement;
(4) whether his Department’s 18-week waiting time initiative will be extended to infertility services; and if he will make a statement.
The maximum 18-week waiting time applies as a national standard from 1 January 2009 onwards. The 18-week target applies to the whole period from receipt of referral made by a general practitioner or other care professional to any consultant-led service, including infertility services. There are no national plans at present to extend the scope of the 18 weeks referral to treatment target.
To support primary care trusts (PCTs) in delivery of 18 weeks a service transformation strategy has been put in place. This includes publishing 18 weeks commissioning top tips and 42 model 18 weeks commissioning pathways. These pathways support PCTs in commissioning the most effective services for their patients. The Department has provided a range of guidance including national 18 week clock rules, definitions and guides on how to apply and measure 18 week rules locally.
An 18 weeks intensive support team has been established to assist local health communities deliver the 18-week target by the end of December 2008. Copies of a step by step guide has been placed in the Library. Comprehensive information and resources on the support available to the NHS is available on a dedicated website,
http://www.18weeks.nhs.uk/
It is the responsibility of PCTs working with the strategic health authority to ensure they have sufficient staff to deliver the 18-weeks target at a local level.