PCT Achieving Targets

27/05/2008

A report to Board members shows that Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust is making significant progress in meeting key Healthcare Commission targets for the benefit of local patients.

The report, published at the end of this month, highlights a number of significant achievements in access to services and improving health.

This includes improvements in the waiting times for treatment of cancer, including a maximum two week wait for urgent GP referral to first outpatient appointment. The NHS locally is also meeting key targets on inpatient and outpatient waiting times.

Other achievements include patients being able to access a GP within 48 hours; patients with mental health problems having access to crisis services when they need them; and an increase in support for older people living at home.

There is also success in screening services, including 94% of patients with diabetes being offered screening for the early detection and treatment of diabetes retinopathy - one of the most common causes of blindness in the UK. The NHS in Gloucestershire is also achieving important targets for breast cancer screening.

Jan Stubbings, Chief Executive of the PCT, said: “These achievements are testament to the hard work of staff across the NHS both in providing and purchasing services for local people.

“We recognise the work of our partners in achieving these objectives and the excellent work of GPs and colleagues across the NHS and social care community, in local councils, and in community and voluntary groups.”

As well as meeting these challenging targets, the PCT has been able to secure a strong financial position which will help with investment in services for the future.

Jan continued: “Whilst these achievements are very positive, we are aware that there are still areas where improvements are needed and we will continue to look towards improving all services for patients across Gloucestershire.”