OHE Lunchtime Seminar: What Can NHS Trusts do to Reduce Cancer Waiting Times?

Rapid diagnosis and access to treatment for cancer are vital for both clinical outcomes and patient experience of care. The NHS Constitution contains several waiting times targets, including that 85% of patients diagnosed with cancer should receive treatment within 62 days of referral. However, waiting times are increasing in England: the 62-day target has not been met since late 2013 and in July 2018, the NHS recorded its worst performance since records began in October 2009.

 

This seminar will present evidence on where NHS trusts can take practical steps to reduce cancer waiting times. The work uses patient-level data (Hospital Episode Statistics) from 2016/17 and an econometric model to quantify the potential effects of several recommendations on the average length of patients’ cancer pathways. The project won the 2018 John Hoy Memorial Award for the best piece of economic analysis produced by government economists.

 

Sarah Karlsberg, Steven Paling and Júlia González Esquerré work in the NHS Improvement Economics Team, which provides economics expertise to NHS Improvement (previously Monitor and the Trust Development Authority) and the provider sector. Their work covers all aspects of provider policy, including operational and financial performance, quality of care, leadership and strategic change. Sarah is also a Visiting Fellow at OHE.

 

If you would like to attend this seminar, please reply to ohegeneral@ohe.org.

 

Click here to see the full invite.

 

Webinar facilities will also be available for this lunchtime seminar, however prior registration is required. Please email ohegeneral@ohe.org if you wish to join. Webinar details will be sent out closer to the event.