NHSE cuts elective targets and admits PM’s waiting list pledge under threat

NHS England has reduced its elective activity target for the service because of the impact of junior doctors’ strike, and acknowledged the service may not hit the prime minister’s pledge to reduce waiting lists before the next general election if the industrial action continues.

NHSE has agreed a deal with ministers which will see the “value based” elective activity target set for the service reduced for 2023-24 from 107 per cent of pre-pandemic levels to 105 per cent (See explainer box on value-based targets below).

Trust finance bosses were briefed by NHSE chief finance officer Julian Kelly this morning (Wednesday 12 July) on the eve of junior doctors’ longest strike action to date.

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Source: HSJ, 12 July 2023