Since Rishi Sunak's commitment in January of the previous year to reduce them, NHS waiting lists have increased by 330,000

The NHS is grappling with significant challenges, as evidenced by recent data. Since January 2023, NHS waiting lists have increased by 330,000, totalling 7.54 million outstanding treatments as of February 2024.

This rise contrasts sharply with commitments made by Rishi Sunak to reduce these lists. Furthermore, the NHS has missed several crucial targets.

Only 71.3% of patients were attended to within four hours at A&E departments, falling short of the 76% goal.

The target for cancer treatments—starting treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral—was also missed, with only 63.9% compliance against an 85% target.

Additionally, despite aims to eliminate them by March 2024, 75,000 patients faced waits of 65 weeks for treatment.

The data also highlights a staggering increase in the number of patients waiting more than 24 hours in A&E, a tenfold rise since the last General Election.

These statistics not only reflect operational failures but also paint a stark picture of the distress and anxiety faced by patients awaiting necessary care.

This situation underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to address both the NHS's operational challenges and the broader social care crisis.

Source: https://www.libdems.org.uk/news/