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Tackling hospital waiting: the 18 week patient pathway - an implementation framework and delivery resource pack

The NHS Improvement Plan (June 2004) set out an ambitious new aim: 'By 2008 no one will wait longer than 18 weeks from GP referral to hospital treatment.' This implementation framework provides an overview of the challenges involved in delivering the 18 week pathway. It sets out a high-level implementation plan and timetable, clarifying the different contributions of all involved. It sets out the principles and definitions to underpin the 18 week pathway, and points to additional analysis in a Delivery Resource Pack, available online.

• Download implementation framework (PDF, 210K)
• Download delivery resource pack (PDF, 450K)
• Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) :18 Weeks Referral to Treatment Standard