Jonathan Ashworth responds to latest NHS performance statistics

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on the number of people waiting over a year to start their treatment, said:

“This is a staggering increase in people waiting beyond 12 months for treatment.

“It means people suffering longer in pain and distress and is simply unacceptable. Everyone understands the pressures facing the NHS but ministers have a responsibility to bring forward plans to ensure people receive the treatment they need on time.”

Ends

Notes to editors

1. 111,026 patients were waiting over 52 weeks to start their treatment in August 2020.

2. This is a 6783 per cent increase since February 2020, pre pandemic. It is also a 8882 per cent increase since the same month last year.

Data source: NHS England