Patients seeing improvements across key NHS services

PATIENTS across the region are seeing improvements in access to care, say the NHS.

Health officials last week released reports highlighting ‘encouraging progress’ in emergency care, planned treatment and mental health services, despite the continued pressure facing health and care teams.

Waiting times for patients attending Emergency Departments and requiring admission, transfer or discharge have improved; and significant progress has also been made in reducing the number of patients waiting more than 52 weeks for treatment, while psychological therapies services continue to perform strongly.

Interim chief executive Dr Kenneth Donaldson said: “These improvements are the result of a huge amount of work by staff across our hospitals, community services, GP practices and support teams. Every improvement in performance represents people receiving the care they need more quickly.

“I want to thank our staff and partners for their continued commitment and professionalism. Their efforts are making a real difference for patients across the region.”

Updates have also been given on work to improve access to planned care, strengthen community-based services, support older people living with frailty and continue the development of preventative approaches aimed at improving long-term health outcomes.

There’s progress too in cancer services, vaccination programmes and mental health support.

However, it has been stressed that demand across urgent, planned and community care remains high, while teams continue to manage workforce and capacity challenges alongside increasingly complex patient needs.

Director of strategic planning and transformation David Rowland added: “We know there is still much more to do, and many of our services continue to operate under considerable pressure. However, the progress highlighted in these reports demonstrates what can be achieved through sustained effort, strong partnership working and a shared focus on improving care for the people we serve.

“Our focus remains on delivering safe, effective and person-centred care while continuing to improve access and outcomes wherever we can.”