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<p>The clinically-led review of standards was announced by the Prime Minister in June
2018. The review is considering the appropriateness of operational standards for physical
and mental health relating to planned, unplanned urgent or emergency care, as well
as cancer. In the interest of patient safety, we are committed to ensuring that any
changes to waiting time standards are based on clinical evidence.</p><p> </p><p>The
National Health Service Long Term Plan provides a platform upon which innovative models
of patient care can and are being developed. In that context, the NHS National Medical
Director has been working with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, Healthwatch
England and many others to consider what matters most to patients, on the clinical
issues with the current target regime, and what NHS staff believe will help them provide
the best quality care for patients.</p><p> </p><p>The review will report its interim
findings in the spring of 2019, after which any recommended changes arising from the
Clinical Standards Review will be carefully tested across the NHS and be subject to
a rigorous approach before they are implemented. Any changes should, and will, only
seek to further strengthen current operational standards.</p><p> </p><p>Any changes
to the NHS Constitution will be consulted on as is legally required. NHS waiting time
targets are national standards and apply to all regions of the NHS.</p>
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