Health chiefs said the target incentivised hospitals to treat those who had been waiting longest rather than those in need

Patient leaders have criticised “very worrying” plans to axe the key NHS target for A&E patients to be treated within four hours.

The Times revealed today that NHS England wants to scrap the measure, which has been in place for 15 years, claiming it does not promote the most up-to-date care. Senior figures, however, fear a “politically driven” change that could make it easier for bosses to hide poor performance.

Health chiefs believe the target encourages hospitals to game the system by prioritising those who have been waiting close to four hours, rather than those in the greatest need of care.

New targets that focus on patients who need a hospital bed will be tested in the spring before a full switch from October. Under