Published on: 10th August 2022

This week the NHS in England hit the target of ensuring no patient waits more than two years for planned treatment. The numbers had reached record levels in January and other than patients who have chosen to delay care, this backlog has been cleared.

Dr Lila Dinner, Deputy Chief Executive & Chief Medical Officer, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, said: "We are so proud that the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Trust was able to abolish waits over 104 weeks for our patients back in May and have also been able to make a contribution to support those waiting in great need at a number of other hospitals.

"Thank you to all our incredible staff for the team work, collaboration and consideration for our patients, and for continuing to work so hard despite the ongoing pressures from successive waves of Covid-19 affecting everything we do.  

"The next target in the national plan is to eliminate 78 week waits by April 2023. This is likely to be harder to reach, given the much bigger numbers waiting and the difficult winter that may lie ahead. I’m confident though that we can achieve this here because every day we see the amazing commitment from all our teams to improve the lives of those waiting for our care."