Shropshire’s two hospitals are failing “significantly” to meet national standards for seeing patients within 18 weeks of them being referred by their GP, a new report has revealed.

Officials at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, which runs the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Telford’s Princess Royal, say they have drawn up plans to try and improve the situation around waiting times.

But they admit that the matter is “unacceptable” and the problem has left staff and patients feeling “frustrated”.

A report to tomorrow’s board meeting of the trust says: “Performance in the trust is currently significantly behind the national standards for seeing patients within 18 weeks from referral to treatment.

“The booking and appointment systems we have had in place in the trust in the past have not provided a good service to patients.

“Our patients, our staff and the trust as a whole will continue to see the impact of this until these issues have been resolved sustainably.

“This is frustrating for patients who are waiting longer than expected to see a hospital specialist and receive definitive treatment.”

The report says that in some cases patients’ conditions have worsened or become more uncomfortable in the period they have been waiting to be seen.

It adds: “It is not acceptable that patients are being inconvenienced be-cause our appointment and booking systems have not worked effectively in the past. Through the plans outlined, we aim to rectify this situation as soon as possible.”

Proposals include new booking staff who will start next month; a system of “choose and book” being implemented; standardisation and automation of appointment letters; and scanning of new referral letters.

Health chiefs want patients referred with suspected cancer to be seen within “much shorter” waiting times standards. Priority will also be given to “urgent” referrals.

By Russell Roberts