Prime Minister announces new NHS plan to tackle waiting list backlogs

The plan, outlined by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aims to drastically reduce waiting times and enhance patient care through a multi-pronged approach, including millions more appointments, greater patient choice, and better use of technology.

Patients are currently facing unacceptable delays for vital treatments, “leaving millions of patients languishing on waiting lists, often in pain or fear. Lives on hold. Potential unfulfilled,” said Sir Kier Starmer.

Key aspects of the new plan include:

• Increased capacity and accessibility: The plan aims to create up to half a million more appointments each year through expanded Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) and new or expanded surgical hubs. This increased capacity, coupled with extended opening hours for CDCs, aims to bring care closer to home and improve patient access to the tests and treatments they need.
• Focus on patient choice and convenience: Giving patients greater choice over their follow-up care and leveraging the NHS app to provide better access to information and appointment booking, empowering individuals to take control of their healthcare journey.
• Harnessing technology for efficiency: The plan emphasizes the role of technology in streamlining processes and improving efficiency. From AI-driven appointment management to remote monitoring, innovation has the potential to significantly reduce missed appointments and optimize resource allocation. At Everlight Radiology, we have a track-record of harnessing the power of technology, helping us to play a vital role in the transformation of healthcare delivery.
• Emphasis on community care: Shifting more care into the community reduces pressure on hospital services and improves the patient experience. Everlight Radiology plays an important role in supporting both hospitals and community based diagnostic services.

Impact on radiology and patient care

UKI/MEA CEO Daniel Sourial said, “Patient care is at the heart of what we do and we will continue to support the government’s focus on innovative solutions to address waiting lists. The key to tackling the NHS backlog is finding sustainable solutions that augment existing public resources alongside long-term continued investment in the workforce.”

With millions more appointments set to be created, the demand for diagnostic imaging will continue to increase. Everlight Radiology looks forward to supporting more patients by providing timely and accurate radiology reporting services, enabling better and faster treatment.

How we can continue to support NHS customers

Everlight Radiology remains committed to supporting the NHS in its mission to deliver high-quality, efficient, and patient-centered care. We look forward to playing our part in the delivery of this plan.

• Supporting CDCs and community care: Our teleradiology solutions are ideally suited to support CDCs and other community-based healthcare providers. By providing around the clock, remote access to specialist radiologists, we help ensure that patients receive the best treatment in a timely way.
• Improved patient outcomes: By facilitating accurate and faster diagnoses, we help reduce waiting times, contributing to improved patient outcomes and a more positive healthcare experience.