Too many patients waiting too long for treatment, health minister admits, with hospitals given no incentive to improve situation
The government has said it will crack down on NHS patient waiting lists in England, saying too many have to wait for a long time time to receive treatment.
The current target time for hospitals to see non-urgent patients is 18 weeks, but ministers are concerned there is no incentive to treat people once that period has elapsed.
It was reported that 250,000 people are still waiting for treatment after the target was missed in their cases.
A spokesman for the Department of Health confirmed the initiative was in place and said full details would be announced on Thursday.
The health secretary, Andrew Lansley, said targets under the Labour government had created "hidden waiting lists".
He told the BBC: "Because of Labour's perverse approach the NHS actually had an incentive not to treat patients.
"The new approach we will take from next year will clamp down on this practice. We will reduce the number of patients on hidden waiting lists, ensuring everyone gets access to the treatment they need." The Guardian
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