IJSRP, Volume 10, Issue 12, December 2020 Edition [ISSN 2250-3153]
C.J.K. Somaratne, Prof. D.J.S. Fernando
Abstract:
The Consultant led specialist clinics are the main stay of treatment for patients referred by General Practitioners (GPs), on outpatient basis. NHS England has implemented a standard to reduce waiting time for those patients who are being referred for specialist clinics. 18 Week Maximum Waiting Time from Referral to Treatment means to patient as a right under the NHS Constitution to access services within maximum waiting time, unless choose to wait longer or it is clinically appropriate to wait longer. The NHS will take all reasonable steps to offer a range of alternative providers if this is not possible. Deviation from the set time on the clock may lead to additional cost to the provider organization by way of penalties.