Harrow patients would have more and better access to treatment under new plan

Harrow would benefit from the government’s NHS Elective Reform Plan that sets out a whole system approach to hitting the 18-week referral to treatment target by the end of this Parliament.
The plan will drive forward progress on the government’s first steps commitment to deliver 2 million extra appointments in its first year, equivalent to 40,000 every week. The reforms will put patients first, harness technology to support staff and help the NHS to do things more efficiently.
“In Harrow, there are 302,707 cases on waiting lists who will be able to access more appointments closer to home and get the treatment they need faster under the plan” informs Gareth Thomas, Harrow West MP.
The plan includes opening Community Diagnostic Centres on evenings and weekends so that many more people will be able to access tests and checks while going about their daily lives, and the NHS will also increase the number of surgical hubs, which help protect planned care from the impact of seasonal and other pressures.
“Hundreds of residents in Harrow are stuck on the record long waiting lists inherited by the Labour Government at huge cost to their health.
“That’s why the reforms announced this month to cut NHS waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks will make such a huge difference. With so many people waiting for treatment, it is more urgent than ever that we reform our NHS so it will always be there for you when you need it” said Mr Thomas.