HOSPITAL waiting lists in East Kent will be dramatically reduced by the end of this year, a hospital chief has forecast.

By December, patients will have to wait an average of 18 weeks for treatment in East Kent's hospitals, says George Jenkins, chairman of the hospitals' trust.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the League of Friends of Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Mr Jenkins said that four years ago some patients had to wait two years for treatment.

Now the average waiting list was five months but up to a further 13 weeks could be added to that. That was the time from when a patient saw his or her GP to when the hospital appointment was made.

Next year the Government wants patients to be treated, on average, 18 weeks after seeing their GPs.

Mr Jenkins said: "But we say we can do this by December. This is fantastic. There is an awful lot of work to do. It will be an exciting ride but the goal has got to be worth it."