Progress for some but the average patient waits longer and longer

Responding to the latest monthly NHS performance stats, Nuffield Trust Fellow Jessica Morris said: “Today ' s figures depict a troublesome situation for NHS recovery, during a week when patients face further disruption as tens of thousands of junior doctors are on strike. Despite some positive progress, the target to eliminate waits of more than 18 months for planned treatment by April remains difficult to meet. Over 20,000 people are still waiting for appointments in pain and discomfort for more than a year and a half. “While the NHS is focusing on clearing those longest waits, the average waiting time for treatment is getting worse and worse, sitting at 14 ½ weeks, compared to 7 ½ weeks just before the pandemic. As the overall waiting list continues to reach record levels, longer waits are being normalised. There is also a risk that the people who need treatment most urgently are not being effectively prioritised and this could lead to worsening conditions and a greater need for care further down the line. ”
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news