Shortest hospital waits ever in South East

The NHS now has the shortest waits since its records began, Labour Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced recently.

New data shows that in the South East and across England the NHS has met its target to treat patients within a maximum of 18 weeks from referral by their GP - an achievement which was unimaginable 12 years ago. Over 90% of patients in the South East are now being treated within 18 weeks or less.

Brighton and Hove Labour's lead for Adult Social Care and Health, Councillor Jeane Lepper, congratulated NHS staff.  Jeane said:

"This is wonderful news for patients in Brighton and Hove and all NHS staff can feel proud that their professional care and hard work has made so much difference to people's experience of Hospital treatment.

"In the 1990's it was not uncommon for patients to wait 18 months or more for their operations.

"The National Health Service is one of Labour's greatest achievements and this Country is rightly proud of it. These recent figures are a tribute to the dedication of all doctors, nurses, and health professionals within the NHS, who continue to work to provide the best possible service in Brighton and Hove."