01.10.12
Scottish patients to receive treatment within 12 weeks
Patients are to receive treatment within 12 weeks of diagnosis in Scotland, as a result of new legislation.
The 12 week guarantee is now in the Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities. Due to the Charter, those who need planned inpatient or day case treatment will be covered by a treatment time guarantee.
An independent advice service has also been set up in order to further assist patients in Scotland.
Health secretary Alex Neil has stated: “Patients in Scotland are being treated quicker than ever – and this fast treatment will now be protected by a legal guarantee.
“We are continuing to meet our full 18 weeks from GP referral to treatment target, and now, as part of this journey, once patients are diagnosed and agree to the treatment it will start within 12 weeks.
“In 2007 over 29,000 people were stuck on ‘hidden waiting lists’ not getting the treatment they needed. I am proud that Scottish patients are reaping the benefits of what the NHS can achieve by protecting the founding principles of the National Health Service.”
Comparatively, patients in England are expected to receive treatment up to six weeks later, with a guarantee of treatment up to 18 weeks after diagnosis.
In Wales, the target is to see all patients within 36 weeks of them being referred by their GP and to treat 95% of patients within 26 weeks. In Ireland, the target is set at 36 weeks, other than in exceptional circumstances.
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