Clear access standards call

NHS England and NHS Improvement have been considering proposed amendments to urgent and emergency, elective and cancer standards and the addition of broader mental health access measures. But with the focus currently on tackling coronavirus, a final decision has been deferred until later this year.

Proposals for A&E signal a move away from the four-hour target to wider measures, including time to clinical assessment and the average waiting time.

An NHS Providers’ report - Setting good standards for NHS patient care - said each clinical area had its own operational issues to consider, such as workforce and IT.

Deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery said: ‘There are a number of major operational factors that have to be taken into consideration and will need funding. These include changes to the workforce, which may include additional staff to collect and report on a wider range of standards, and crucially ensuring all trusts are supported to put the required digital capability in place.’