18 week target
The Department of Health has said that by the end of 2008, patients can expect a maximum wait of 18 weeks from referral to the start of treatment.
Free event: Helping you meet the 18-week patient pathway: 'No delays achiever'

The next stage of NHS reform: The clinical vision
The NHS Confederation is working jointly with the Joint Consultants' Committee to define the clinical vision of a high quality healthcare system. We hope to define what a high quality and responsive system would look like from the point of view of front line care delivery and set out the principles that would create improvement in the quality of care the patient experience. Our project will examine the way that organisations need to adapt to support this new system and how local health communities need to work to support these changes. Read more

Changing core membership consultation
The NHS Confederation is consulting with its members regarding a proposal to open up core membership in England to all NHS providers, be they NHS, commercial, not-for-profit or voluntary providers. Read more.

Our response to the White Paper on professional regulation
Following consultation, which included NHS Employers collecting views from and responding on the behalf of employers, the Government has published three documents aimed at strengthening the future regulation of healthcare professionals and improving patient safety. We welcome this White Paper and its supporting documents, which should improve the quality and safety of care that patients receive from NHS staff. Read more

NHS Confederation in parliament on PPI
The NHS Confederation has been asked to give evidence on 22 February to the health select committee for their inquiry into patient and public involvement. Many thanks to members who helped contribute to our written evidence.