Thirteen week outpatient waits

Number of outpatients seen within 13 weeks of GP written referral as a percentage of the total number of outpatients seen following GP written referral

Rationale

The NHS Plan sets out how, 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. This indicator shows how well NHS trusts are progressing towards achieving this target

Thresholds

Legend
Band 1 - poor	Less than 65%
Band 2	Greater than or equal to 65% and less than 75%
Band 3	Greater than or equal to 75% and less than 85%
Band 4	Greater than or equal to 85% and less than 95%
Band 5 - good	Greater than or equal to 95%

Data source and period

QM08 Quarterly Waiting Times Returns (Financial Year 2004/05)

Construction

Numerator:
The number of outpatients seen within 13 weeks of GP written referral. Those referred from other sources (e.g. drop in clinics, A&E department) will be excluded.

Denominator:
The total number of outpatients seen following GP written referral. Those referred from other sources (e.g. drop in clinics, A&E department) will be excluded.

Indicator:
The number of outpatients seen within 13 weeks of GP written referral divided by the total number of outpatients seen following GP written referral.

Expressed as a percentage.