The Royal College of Surgeons of England has urged the government to publish its ‘Elective Recovery Plan’ – as the number of patients waiting for consultant-led hospital treatment on the NHS reaches a record 6 million.
The total waiting list reported in October 2021 is the highest figure since records began in August 2007.
The figures also show that the number of people waiting over 18 weeks for treatment is now over 2 million. Meanwhile, the number of patients waiting over two years for hospital treatment has increased to 16,225. This is an increase of almost 30% on the previous month when 12,491 people were waiting.
Commenting on the figures, Mr Tim Mitchell, Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: “Today’s figures are bad news for patients waiting for planned surgery. There are now a record 6 million people waiting for planned hospital treatment. This includes patients waiting for hip and knee replacements, gallbladder removals and hernia operations.
“The record waiting list reflects the constant pressure the NHS has been under since COVID-19 hit our shores. Sadly we still have many unvaccinated people with COVID-19 needing critical care beds. Also, the important booster campaign will, unfortunately, divert precious resources at a time that is traditionally the busiest for the NHS. It is essential that urgent operations to cure cancer – and other time-sensitive surgical procedures – are not delayed during these challenging times.
“Last night the government announced they are enactin