WAITING lists across the Midlands have decreased by 6.5 per cent, with more than 90,000 patients coming off the list and under the care of hospitals in the region.
The Government set a national target for 65 per cent of patients to be seen within 18 weeks for elective treatment by March this year.
The latest figures, confirm that the NHS has delivered this goal, despite needing to postpone elective appointments, tests and surgeries due to Industrial Action.
The region accounts for the greatest reduction in the national waiting list, compared to a 4.2 per cent decrease nationally.
Dr Jess Sokolov, Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the Midlands, said: “Staff working across the NHS have pulled out all the stops to help people who have often been waiting too long for lifechanging treatment.
“Delays to planned procedures have a massive human cost in terms of the growing loss of independence or risk of accidents as a patient’s health deteriorates. That’s why we want more people to be seen within the 18-week time frame and return to their best health as soon as possible.
“I want to thank everyone working in local health services for their commitment to improving standards while carrying out more tests, checks and elective appointments than any other year.”
