Powys patients' waiting times

A spokesperson for Powys Teaching Health Board says the measures will "ensure that clinical priorities and patient safety are maintained".

Powys Teaching Health Board remains committed to meeting the access (RTT) waiting times, both the 95% 26 week target and the 36 week absolute target.

Powys Teaching Health Board is currently performing at above 98% against the 95% target for 26 weeks, however this level of performance is achieved at a significant cost.

Within this context, a degree of slippage can be tolerated and the Health Board has taken steps to utilise the flexibility within the 95% target whilst still meeting it.

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• Powys

Patients in Powys who travel to hospitals outside the county for operations may have to wait ten weeks longer for non-emergency treatment.

Under Welsh Government targets, only 5% of patients should spend more than 26 weeks on a waiting list.

In an effort to save £2m this financial year, Powys Teaching Health Board is aiming for some patients to wait the maximum 36 week limit.

It has told its neighbouring NHS trust to say it will only pay for treatment carried out between the 32 and 36 week window.

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