Record 4.5million Brits on NHS waiting lists as Covid leads to cancelled operations

A RECORD 4.5million Brits are now on NHS waiting lists owing to the Covid crisis.

And 192,169 have waited more than a year for an op.

It is a 137-fold rise on the 1,398 patients who had waited more than a year in November 2019 — and the longest waiting lists since records began.

Leading medics have warned of a “calamitous impact”.

Prof Neil Mortensen, president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: “For thousands of people in this country, a corrective operation is the best way to relieve debilitating pain and get them back up on their feet.”

At least 12,000 fewer heart ops took place last year.

The British Heart Foundation warned the delays may only be the “tip of the iceberg”.

Campaigners fear 35,600 fewer cancers were diagnosed between April and September last year.

But NHS bosses said cancer treatment is back to usual levels, with more than 25,000 starting therapy in November and more than 200,000 referred for checks.