Latest data shows further setback to PM's pledge that waiting lists will fall

Commenting on the publication today of the NHS monthly performance statistics, Tim Gardner, Assistant Director of Policy at the Health Foundation said:

‘Today’s data shows patients continue to face unacceptable delays for hospital treatment, with a further walk-out by junior doctors due to start tomorrow set to bring further disruption.

‘Industrial action has hampered efforts to address the backlog, but a lack of staff and capacity meant the waiting list was increasing long before the pandemic and had reached 7.2 million before the first strike towards the end of last year. Despite the hard work of NHS in delivering high numbers of appointments and operations, this has now hit a new record high of 7.6 million in June with over 383,000 people waiting over a year to start treatment. If the Prime Minister is serious about keeping his promise that ‘NHS waiting lists will fall and people will get the care they need more quickly’, this marks another step in the wrong direction.

‘While ministers have been quick to blame strikes for the lack of progress, the roots of this lie in political failures to tackle rising pressures over the last decade. There are no quick fixes - ensuring people get the care they need at the time they need it hinges on the government acting to address the underlying problems facing the health service, which includes historic under-investment in equipment and buildings, as well as delivering the long-term workforce plan to address the significant staff shortages.’

Media contact

Emily Wilson
emily.wilson@health.org.uk
020 7257 8000