Numbers on NHS waiting list hits record high

Latest NHS data has shown that the number of people in England waiting to start routine hospital treatment has risen to a record high.

As of the end of December 2021, as many as 6.1 million people were waiting to start treatment – the highest number since records began in August 2007.

The number of people having to wait more than 52 weeks to start treatment stood at 310,813 in December 2021, up from 306,996 in the previous month and 39 per cent higher than the number in December 2020.

The figures also highlight how, despite Omricon pressures, NHS staff delivered 120,000 more diagnostic tests and checks in December, compared to the same month last year. At the same time as delivering over 14 million Covid vaccinations in December, an extra 107,000 people also started consultant-led treatment compared to the same period last year.

The NHS’ Elective Recovery Plan, published this week, set out a blueprint to address backlogs built up during the pandemic and will increase capacity to deliver around 17 million tests performed over a three year period. The NHS aims to roll out more than 160 diagnostic centres, with 66 set to be in use across England by the end of March – 26 more than previously planned.

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “While seasonal pressures are ongoing, we are now beginning to see the full picture of the Omicron winter on the NHS, and despite sky-high staff absences, hardworking NHS staff continued to make inroads on the backlog that has inevitably built up and delivered 120,000 more tests and checks in December compared to the same time last year.

“Hardworking staff also responded to the government’s call to protect the nation from the new Omicron variant, delivering over 13 million lifesaving booster jabs in December alone – providing lifesaving protection to millions of people at speed.

“While pressures remain for our staff with the highest number of life-threatening ambulance call outs and 111 calls for the month of January, NHS staff are committed to bringing down the backlog and the clear plan published this week will help increase the number of checks, tests and treatment provided for patients. As ever, if you have a health problem, please come forward for care – the NHS is here for you.”

Leaked projections have revealed that the number of people in England waiting for planned hospital care could hit 10.7 million by March 2024.