Champion appointed

Neil Betteridge, chief executive of Arthritis Care, has taken up the appointment and will work closely with Ministers and the NHS to ensure that patients are at the centre of the 18-week pledge. The Government has pledged that, by a deadline of December 2008, all patients can expect to start their treatment within 18 weeks of referral.

Neil Betteridge will highlight their needs as reforms to meet the target are implemented across England. He will also consult with patients and the public, and encourage them to influence the reforms locally.