It has come to light that the patients seeking treatment at NHS are being made to wait longer than the stipulated time of 18 weeks. According to the authorities concerned, about 43% of the patients are waiting longer.

The Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, has accused the MPs for not paying attention to the increasing waiting time period. He said, ". it's time to drop the (Health and Social Care) Bill and focus on the things that really matter to the people using and working in the NHS".

Mr. Lansley noted that the NHS didn't provide treatment to the patients who had to wait longer than 18 weeks. These patients should be provided with treatment as soon as possible, he emphasized. To improve the working of the NHS trusts, the NHS Future Forum broad lined few recommendations in a letter written to Andrew Lansley.

The NHS Future Forum is a committee consisting of representatives of health, patients and the NHS staff. The Forum works toward bringing significant improvements in the NHS trusts. The recommendation made by the Forum would be implemented next year.

The Forum has highlighted a number of recommendations. According to the Forum, patients should be given accessibility to their health records. Besides, public health authorities should work with the social community so that health care could be promoted.

It has also been highlighted by the Forum that responsibility of every health workers should also be made clear so that patients should be provided with care effectively. The recommendations made by the Forum would be introduced next year only.

It is hoped that the suggestions highlighted by the Forum would help in improving the working of the NHS trusts. Moreover, changes in the waiting period are also expected to be witnessed next year.