NHS slowdown next year will threaten waiting times - Lamb

4.07.55pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 8th Jan 2007

Commenting on the waiting list figures published today, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb MP said:

"These figures must be taken with a strong note of caution.

"The Government's emphasis on bringing down waiting times above all else has pushed many hospitals into the red as they are forced to manipulate resources to meet strict targets.

"Patient care can also suffer as resources in some hospitals are diverted solely to meet waiting time targets.

"The Government is spending large amounts of money on buying in operations from the private sector in order to hit its targets, something that is not sustainable.

"With next year's slowdown in NHS spending and the forecast of hospitals cutting doctors' posts, there is a real danger that waiting times will start to go up again."

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