The NHS is facing its worst waiting list crisis on record, with a staggering 7.57 million people now queuing for specialist appointments in England. This marks a sharp increase of over 100,000 patients in just one month, according to the latest NHS England data.
Key Findings:
- Waiting lists grew by 102,969 between June and July 2023
- Nearly 390,000 patients have waited over a year for treatment
- Over 7,000 cases involve waits exceeding 18 months
Health leaders describe the situation as "deeply worrying", with many patients enduring unacceptable delays for vital care. The Royal College of Surgeons warns that lengthy waits can have devastating consequences for patients' health and quality of life.
Government Response Under Scrutiny
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had pledged to reduce waiting lists as one of his key priorities for 2023. However, with numbers continuing to climb, opposition parties are accusing the government of "failing both patients and NHS staff".
An NHS spokesperson acknowledged the challenges, stating: "Despite significant pressure, staff have delivered record numbers of diagnostic tests and cancer treatments in recent months."
What This Means for Patients
Experts advise patients awaiting treatment to:
- Keep in regular contact with their GP
- Inform their healthcare provider if symptoms worsen
- Explore all available treatment options
With winter pressures looming, there are fears the backlog could grow even larger in coming months.
