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 14½ weeks, compared to 7½ 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.”
Notes to editors
- NHS England performance data was published today for planned care up to February 2023, and urgent care up to March 2023. Data in the different work areas can be seen here.
- The Nuffield Trust is an independent health think tank. We aim to improve the quality of health care in the UK by providing evidence-based research and policy analysis and informing and generating debate.
- For all queries or to arrange an interview, contact Simon Keen: 07780 475571/ simon.keen@nuffieldtrust.org.uk; or Eleanor Martin: 07920 043676 / eleanor.martin@nuffieldtrust.org.uk