NHS hospital 18-week wait times caused by COVID backlog

As reported by The Guardian, patients wait between 18 to 30 weeks to receive NHS treatment

Recent reports revealed that the NHS currently aims for 92% of its patients to receive treatment after a referral within 18 weeks. However, in June, data released announced that just 62% of that target had been met.

The severe wait times have been induced by the ramifications of COVID and the NHS’s inability to cope with rolling out treatment in the midst of staffing and funding crises.

“Prolonged waiting has a significant impact on patients’ mental and physical health,” said president of the British Orthopaedic Association, Professor John Skinner.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson claimed that the funds they have provided to the NHS has been invaluable in combating the accumulation of delayed treatments.

“This additional resource is for example going to pay for over 50 new surgical hubs across the country, providing at least 100 more operating theatres and 1,000 more beds, and delivering almost two million extra routine operations to reduce waiting lists over the next three years,” said the spokesperson.