Fewer ops being done as NHS waiting list hits seven million

Bangla sanglap desk:The waiting list for hospital treatment has hit a record high of seven million in England, latest figures show.

But a BBC analysis shows the rise is being driven by the inability of hospitals to get back to full strength rather than lots more demand.

Hospitals are carrying out 12% fewer operations and treatments than they were before the pandemic.

Surgeons said it was really frustrating as operating theatres were not being used due to a lack of beds and staff.

They say it is not unusual to find surgery cancelled at the last minute as staff are unavailable or intensive care and ward beds are full with other patients.

“It’s tough on patients and tough on staff who want to get on and treat patients,” said Tim Mitchell, vice-president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

“Without treatment, the health of patients can deteriorate.

“Not only do we need to get back to where we were before the pandemic, we need to do more if we are going to tackle the backlog.”