NHS waiting lists hit new record high of 7.6million as strikes threaten to worsen ‘busiest summer ever’
HOSPITAL waiting lists are at another record high, NHS data shows ahead of a fifth round of junior doctors’ strikes.
Some 7.57million people were waiting to start treatment at the end of June, up by 100,000 in a month despite Rishi Sunak’s pledge to shrink the list.
Health chiefs warned the NHS is set for its busiest summer yet, as strikes batter efforts to reduce waits.
Medics are downing tools again for four days from today [FRI], with some new doctors taking to picket lines just days after starting their first health service jobs.
Professor Julian Redhead, of NHS England, said: “This summer is currently on trajectory to be the busiest in NHS history, all while industrial action continues to disrupt services.
“While tomorrow the NHS will see thousands of appointments and procedures likely to be postponed, the NHS will need to prioritise emergency care once again.”
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The figures show 383,083 people had been waiting more than a year to start routine hospital treatment at the end of June, down slightly from 385,022 at the end of May.
Some 7,177 patients were waiting more than 18 months, down from 11,446 at the end of May.
Nicola Ranger, of the Royal College of Nurses, said: “With a record number of patients now on a waiting list in England, the NHS is falling into deeper crisis.”
Saffron Cordery, of NHS Providers, said record waiting lists have been caused by “a perfect storm” of industrial action, squeezed funding, the Covid pandemic and workforce shortages.
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The Prime Minister has made cutting waiting lists one of his priorities for 2023, pledging in January that "lists will fall and people will get the care they need more quickly".
But he says strikes across the health service are making the task "more challenging".
Industrial action has been ongoing since December 2022 in the NHS, leading to the postponement of almost 835,000 appointments.
In July, the Government said junior doctors will receive 6 per cent, as well as an additional £1,250 consolidated rise.
Mr Sunak said "there will be no more talks" on pay and that the Government's proposed deal is "fair".
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Labour's shadow cabinet minister for mental health, said: "One in eight people are now waiting for NHS treatment, more than ever before.
"Patients are waiting in pain and discomfort for months or even years."
She claimed Mr Sunak "blames hard-working doctors and nurses, yet he hasn’t lifted a finger to stop the strikes".
Daisy Cooper, Lib Dem deputy leader, said Health Secretary Steve Barclay “is not up to the job and owes the public an apology”.