Record 4.3m on the NHS’ waiting lists
Figure has rocketed under Tories
NHS patient waiting lists are the longest ever recorded amid claims the health service is in “crisis” and almost “unfit for purpose”.
The number waiting for procedures including hip operations and cataract surgery has almost doubled under the Tories from 2.42 million to 4.3 million.
It is the worst level since records began in 2007 and follows a decade of funding rises below historic averages.
The NHS constitution states 92% of patients awaiting hospital treatment should be seen within 18 weeks. But the latest data reveals in April just 86.5% got an appointment by the deadline.
The proportion of those with suspected cancer seen in two weeks of urgent referral was 89.9%, the worst since records began and below the 93% target.
Just 77% received their first treatment in 62 days between January and March. The target is 85%.
Prof Derek Alderson, of the Royal College of Surgeons, said the crisis was causing real suffering and that the NHS had “no clear plan to tackle it”.
He said: “Behind these numbers are patients waiting in pain and discomfort, possibly unable to work or look after of patients got an appointment by 18-week deadline – target is 92% Prof Derek Alderson themselves. Living this way for months on end can have a huge impact on quality of life and further deterioration in health.”
A recent MPs’ report blasted the Tories for having no plan to tackle the situation. The Prime Minister May has ordered a review of the 18-week waiting time target amid speculation it may be scrapped.
Dr Rob Harwood, of the British Medical Association, said the latest data should be “a major red flag” that urgent investment was needed.
He warned: “This set of figures show a health service descending into ever-deepening crisis and closer to a The service is in crisis Patients waiting for NHS treatment in England system unfit for purpose.”
An NHS spokeswoman said: “A&E performance improved last month, as did emergency ambulance response times and the number of 52-week waits for routine surgery.
“As a result of a 15% increase in urgent cancer referrals over the past year, a member of the public’s likeliTheresa hood of being urgently checked and treated promptly within 62 days is the highest since records began.”
The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for a response.