Number of outpatients waiting longer than the standard

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Number of patients who were waiting more than 26 weeks throughout the year, or more than 21 weeks at end of March 2003, for an outpatient appointment.

Rationale
From end of March 2002 the maximum waiting time for an outpatient appointment, following a GP referral was 26 weeks. From end of March 2003, this reduced to 21 weeks. The NHS Plan commitment is that by the end of 2005, the maximum waiting time for a first outpatient appointment will be cut to three months – urgent cases will continue to be treated much faster in accordance with clinical need.

Thresholds

Legend
Achieved	ü	5 breaches or less
Under achieved	-	Greater than 5 and less than or equal to 50
Significantly under achieved	x	Greater than 50 breaches

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