18 Weeks

In this section

The 18-week referral to treatment target was set as part of the 2004 NHS Improvement Plan and gives patients and the public a very clear standard by which to measure NHS achievement.

Originally aimed at GP referrals to secondary care, the 18-week principle has been applied more widely, for example in dentistry. These pages contain advice and guidance for operations staff and PCT boards. Anyone involved in commissioning at a PCT can view the subscriber pages of the site, but you will need to register first. Find out more at site help.