Total time in A&E: 4 hours or less

Percentage of patients waiting four hours or less in A&E from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge

Rationale

The NHS Plan target requires that no patient spends more than 4 hours in any type of A&E from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge by December 2004. Progress to the target is measured as a key indicator. From March 2003, 90% of patients should spend no more than 4 hours maximum in A&E.

Thresholds

Legend
Achieved		90% or more
Underachieved	-	Greater than or equal to 85% and less than 90%
Significantly underachieved	x	Less than 85%