WIREDGOV

NHS Confederation Chief Executive Rob Webster commented on the announcement on waiting time standards.

"Simplifying hospital waiting time measures so that providers are no longer penalised for doing the right thing for patients is a welcome step.

"Our members have told us that we need targets which are evidence based, reflect what matters to patients and don’t create unnecessary paperwork or perverse incentives.

"The more we can do to streamline the activity of monitoring delivery the more time our members will have to focus on shaping care around the needs of patients in the 21st century.

"We welcome both the expansion of the current pilot of new standards for ambulance service call handling, based on the pilot’s initial results and the ongoing commitment to waiting time standards for mental health services."

Notes to editors

* The NHS Confederation annual conference and exhibition takes place between Wednesday June 3 and Friday June 5 in Liverpool. For details go to www.nhsconfed.org/conference/programme-and-activities

* The NHS Confederation represents 85 per cent of NHS providers and commissioners. The organisation has around 500 members across health and social care, including hospitals, community and mental health providers, ambulance trusts and independent sector organisations providing NHS care. It is the only membership body to bring together and speak on behalf of the whole NHS.

* For more information contact Tamsin Newton Snow on 07791 478 035 or Tamsin.Newtonsnow@nhsconfed.org