NHS waiting list at a five-year high
- 16 Aug
With almost 2.9 million people on the waiting list for hospital treatment, the NHS have found themselves at a five-year high.
Figures show that the waiting list for operations and other treatments in England has risen by almost a quarter of a million since June last y
ear. This has caused concern surrounding patients waiting too long for medical attention.The pressure on A&E services have been blamed on a million more people needing emergency care by ministers, forcing David Cameron to give an extra £500m to hospitals that have been the worst-affected. Labour have argues that due to the coalition eradicating services such as the NHS Direct advice line and a wider health service shake-up have contributed to the problems, creating a knock-on effect on waiting times for non-urgent operations.
Referral to treatment figures highlighted that 2.88 million patients are currently on the waiting list, which is dramatically more than the 2.5 million that were on it over previous years. Monitor, who are the NHS's regulator have said that some hospitals are having to cancel their non-urgent operations in order "to deal with increased A&E and non-elective pressures".
However, the Department of Health have said that the average waiting time for operations is stable, despite the increase. "The NHS is performing well - it is treating over a million patients a month," a spokeswoman said. "But despite this average waiting times are low and stable and the number of patients waiting longer than 18 weeks is nearly 55,000 lower than in May 2010 and the number of people waiting for more than a year to start treatment is the lowest it has ever been.
"A&E departments have been seeing 95% of their patients within four hours since the end of April."
Image source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1396218
Related articles
- 25 May
CARE HAS IMPROVED CONSIDERABLY IN ENGLAND
Almost three fourth of 372 care homes rated inadequate in 2014 and still operating have improved.205 care homes have improved from a low rating to requiring improvement, 68 are now rated good and 99...
- 24 May
NHS ADJUSTMENTS TO BUDGET CUTS
NHS trusts which have been previously rated good or outstanding will not be inspected as frequently as before, but those rated as inadequate will be regularly visited by the CQC.The Guardian reports...
- 19 Mar
Government to inspect if housing can reduce NHS costs
In the Budget document the government have said it's looking at the ‘cost-effectiveness of options to integrate spending around some of the most vulnerable groups of people.' This includes...
- 15 Oct
End of life patients are lacking support
The charity has found that almost 92% of NHS clinical commissioning groups do not provide round the clock telephone helplines, reports the BBC.Guidelines say there should be 24-hour telephone...
- 15 Sep
Social care is being limited due to council cuts
ADASS are warning that cuts are making the care system "unsustainable" with charities saying hundreds of thousands of people are struggling without help, even though the government says councils have...
- 17 Jul
Young people should not be placed in B&Bs says MPs
The Commons Education Select Committee has said that B&B accommodation is "threatening and frightening" and should only be used in emergency situations reports the BBC.MPs say that young people...
- 16 Jul
Special measures system designed to improve failing care homes
A scheme similar to special measures of hospitals will be introduced for care homes and home care agencies next year, ministers will say, reports the BBC.This will cover 25,000 services and could...
- 14 Jul
Research says that one in three Alzheimer's cases can be prevented
The research says that the main risk factors of Alzheimer's is lack of exercise, smoking, depression and poor education, reports the BBC. Alzheimer's Research UK said age was still the biggest risk...
- 10 Jul
NHS boss says those with vulnerabilities need joint health and care budget
Simon Stevens wants to see older people, those with disabilities and people with serious mental health problems given joint pots from the NHS and council-run social care services, reports the...
- 17 Jun
Council falters in reviewing autistic man’s care plan
According to Community Care:"The ruling was made by the Local Government Ombudsman after the man's mother complained that his physical and mental health deteriorated in the two-year period after...
Responding to the DWP Consultation: Housing Benefit Reform - Supported Housing "I thought this briefing was very good and very useful. The presentation was clear, well argued and I always find Michael gives me food for thought even if I don't agree with everything he says. I really like the way he facilitates a discussion in the room and I learn as much from other participants as I do from the presenter which is always good. Right length, right tone." R.P. - Richmond Fellowship
