Great news from the NHS recently for people in Portsmouth and throughout England. We now have the shortest waits for hospital treatment since records began.  New data shows that the NHS has met its target to treat patients within a maximum of 18 weeks from referral by their GP – this would have been unimaginable 12 years ago. In those days it was not uncommon for people to wait for 18 months not weeks, and some people died waiting for hospital treatment.

An 18 week maximum wait is a magnificent achievement and I want to pay tribute to the doctors, nurses and all NHS staff in Portsmouth who have made this possible through their hard work. When I talk to NHS patients you tell me that waiting time is important to you. That’s why this Labour government made it a priority.

Behind these statistics are real people who have had their lives transformed by being treated. Take cataracts which if untreated can lead to blindness. New figures show that across the country over 250,000 patients have a cataract removed every year with an average referral to treatment time of just 6 weeks. Imagine what a difference it makes to the patient knowing that they will be seen quickly, have their cataract removed and then get on with their life.

This is just one part of an ongoing programme of improvements to our NHS. From 1 April we have abolished prescription charges for cancer sufferers and are introducing MRSA screening procedures. And starting in 2009/10 we are introducing free health checks for everyone aged 40-74 to identify people’s risk to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes.

This shows our commitment not just to treating you when you are ill, but doing all we can to prevent you getting ill in the first place.

The NHS is one of our country's greatest achievements and I will always stand up for it. I'm proud that over Labour’s years in government, we have made sure the NHS has the staff it needs and backed them to deliver improvements in standards and drive down waiting lists.