Thousands of patients still stuck on hidden waiting lists - Webb

6.57.08pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 29th Jul 2005

Commenting on the latest statistics on waiting times, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Steve Webb MP said:

"Any fall in waiting times is welcome, but what really matters to patients is the total time they wait for both their diagnosis and treatment.

"Ministers may be congratulating themselves on shorter waits but the true waiting times are much longer than these figures suggest.

"Thousands of patients are stuck on hidden waiting lists waiting months, or even years, before they get a diagnosis and get on the official list.

"The Government has an awfully long way to go before waiting times are at acceptable levels."

Commenting on the latest NHS employment figures Steve Webb MP said:

"While progress is welcome it is clear that staff shortages are still a major headache for the NHS.

"Patients waiting months for their operation must find it particularly galling when they read stories of talented young doctors unable to get a job in the UK. Many newly qualified doctors are finding it impossible to get jobs.

"If the Government fails to manage this situation properly we will have wasted the talent of these highly trained people who are unable to practice their skills and so leave to find jobs abroad."