There are just three cancer services that are achieving the 62-day target over the past 12 months – Calderdale and Huddersfield, East and North Hertfordshire and Bolton NHS trusts.
Streamlined communication, state-of-the-art equipment and joined-up team work appear to be key.
Paul, who is in his 50s, was diagnosed with prostate cancer a few weeks ago at the Lister Hospital in Stevenage, part of East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust.
On the day he was told his diagnosis he also met with a surgeon and an oncologist to discuss his treatment options.
His treatment choice was between a long course of radiotherapy or to have the prostate surgically removed.
Once he had made up his mind to have an operation, it was booked in. His procedure will be done using robotic surgery. It not only reduces side effects, but also helps speed up recovery.
Paul will only be in hospital for one night so the bed he uses will be free for another patient after only 24 hours.