One of the key promises made by the Labour party in their manifesto for the upcoming election is to hit the 18-week target for non-urgent operations in the NHS. This target was originally set by the Labour government in 2008, with the aim of reducing waiting times for patients in need of non-urgent procedures such as hip replacements or cataract surgery. However, in recent years, this target has been consistently missed, with waiting times reaching an all-time high in 2019. Labour has pledged to address this issue by investing an additional £26 billion into the NHS, which will be used to recruit more doctors and nurses, increase capacity in hospitals, and improve access to diagnostic tests. This commitment to the 18-week target is not only a promise to reduce waiting times for patients, but also a commitment to the overall improvement of the NHS. By investing in the healthcare system and ensuring timely access to non-urgent procedures, Labour aims to alleviate the strain on the NHS and provide better care for all patients. This promise has been met with praise from healthcare professionals and patients alike, who have been struggling with long waiting times and overcrowded hospitals. If elected, Labour’s plan to hit the 18-week target will not only benefit individuals in need of non-urgent operations, but it will also improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the NHS.
