Insourcing with 18WS can help meet elective recovery targets

The new government in its maiden Budget has re-committed its focus on elective recovery through increased day-to-day and capital spending and reaffirmed its target of an additional 40,000 appointments to achieve the 18-week target. NHS service managers can now act in confidence to secure increased capacity to reach these targets.

Following the recent Budget announcement by chancellor Rachel Reeves, the government’s commitment to expanding NHS capacity and reducing waiting lists is clear. 18 Week Support stands ready to mobilise resources to support these ambitions, reaffirming our commitment to the NHS’s needs.

“It’s fantastic to see the government prioritising support for the NHS,” says Josh Collins, CEO of 18 Week Support. “At 18WS, we stand ready to help increase surgical and diagnostic capacity by bringing in teams of highly-qualified clinicians to substantially reduce patient waiting lists. We’re committed to supporting the NHS in a way that maximises efficiency and productivity and provides services below NHS tariffs, which benefits both NHS trusts and UK taxpayers.”

In addition, whilst establishing the medium-term goal of increased surgical and diagnostic capacity, there is the more immediate increased capacity to cope with winter pressures. Now is the time for NHS service managers to take action to mitigate a potential winter crisis, with the confidence that longer-term capacity plans are funded.

Insourcing: A strategic response to increasing capacity

The NHS faces continued strain, with elective surgery waiting lists hovering around 7.5 million patients as of August 2024. Trusts are under continued pressure to meet the 18-week referral to treatment target due to limited resources. Insourcing with 18WS offers a proactive solution, allowing trusts to expand service capacity without the significant costs associated with other solutions. 18WS’s strategic response is framed around assisting trusts with the longest waiting lists, maximising existing NHS resources, and providing cost-effective solutions for its customers.

Assisting trusts with the longest waiting lists

We are equipped to deploy our services to NHS trusts experiencing the longest waiting lists. Our flexible operational model enables us to quickly allocate resources where they are needed most, ensuring that patients in high-demand areas receive timely care. By focusing on these trusts, we can make a significant impact on reducing waiting times and improving overall patient outcomes.

Maximising existing NHS resources

Our insourcing model maximises the use of existing NHS estates and equipment, enabling rapid expansion of service capacity without substantial new investments. By delivering care on-site and during off-peak times, we ensure NHS facilities are used efficiently, reducing the need for more expensive private providers or reliance on costly agency staff. Furthermore, 18WS can provide bookings, admin, and clinical triage capacity in addition to clinical teams, thereby enabling trusts’ substantive clinicians to focus on their core responsibilities.

Implementing cost-effective solutions

Operating below tariff rates, 18WS provides affordable services that align with national funding structures. This commitment to cost efficiency is crucial as the NHS moves to increase operational efficiencies in its Budget allocation.

18WS’s strategic response is framed around assisting trusts with the longest waiting lists, maximising existing NHS resources, and providing cost-effective solutions for its customers

For NHS service managers, this means delivering the same—if not more—while cutting costs. Insourcing with 18WS offers a strategic advantage, allowing trusts to meet elective, diagnostic and surgical targets while safeguarding public funds. Unlike agency models, our services ensure predictable expenditure, helping trusts stay within budget and optimise resources during times of operational scrutiny.

Whether addressing waiting lists in outpatient, diagnostics or surgery, 18WS provides tailored solutions for each speciality. As winter pressures approach and additional capacity becomes essential to meet both routine and emergency care demands, our insourcing services offer the agility trusts need to continue delivering vital services. The time to look ahead to managing these winter pressures is now.

18WS is prepared to mobilise immediately, bringing in teams of highly-qualified clinicians to trusts where they are needed most. We invite NHS service managers to reach out and discover how our insourcing solutions can help deliver on RTT commitments and beyond.

Founded in 2014 by Dr Conal Perrett, an eminent dermatologist, for 10 years 18WS has delivered insourcing services with exceptional results across the UK. Our clinically led model brings specialised teams into NHS facilities during weekends and out-of-hours periods, ensuring vital treatments continue while trusts maintain control over their operations. This approach not only provides additional capacity to stretched departments but also ensures patients receive care in a familiar environment.

Contact us today to learn how we can assist your trust in providing exceptional care while maximising efficiency and value for taxpayers.