United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust has been missing targets on A&E waiting and cancer treatment times for more than half a decade.
Bosses have apologised, saying they are not “performing as well as we should be” but say increased demand is taking its toll.
The last time ULHT achieved 95% of patients being treated within four hours of arrival at A&E was September 2014, the same month it surpassed the 85% target to start cancer treatment within 62 days of urgent GP referral.
Earlier this month it was reported that in October Lincoln County Hospital could only treat 64.2% of its patients within four hours. The England average was 83.6%.
Chief Operating Officer Mark Brassington said: “Over the past few years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of people attending our hospitals.
“We are seeing more patients than ever before coming through our three emergency departments, accessing cancer treatments and being referred for planned surgery.”
Figures from NHS England show how, in quarter two of this year, ULHT managed to get 81.78% of its patients seen for cancer treatment within 62 days – however, this is still short of the 85% target.
Between July and September, the trust treated 220 people, with 180 of those hitting the target.
Nationally, just 83.6% of patients were seen within the target.
“Compared to five years ago, we are seeing 130 more patients every week who are on a two week wait outpatient pathway – that’s an increase of 35%,” said Mr Brassington.
“We also have 28% more patients on a 62 day cancer pathway,” he continued.
ULHT chief operating officer Mark Brassington. Photo: Lincolnshire Reporter
“Despite these increases we are treating 200 more patients within the 62 day standard than we did five years ago.”
The trust has also struggled with achieving 92% of patients having planned operations and care within 18 weeks of referral.
The last time it succeeded was June 2016 – the England average passed the test in February of that year.
In September, 75% of patients were seen within the allotted period.
The average for England was 84.8%.
Mr Brassington said: “Although we are treating more people, we accept that we are not performing as well as we should be and some of our patients wait longer than they should to access some treatments, for which we apologise.
“We are not alone in seeing such significant growth in demand, and we are working with partner health and social care organisations to ensure our patients receive the appropriate and best possible care as soon as possible across all of our specialties.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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