Jonathan Ashworth comments on increase to number of people on waiting list for NHS treatment

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on the increase to the number of people on the waiting list for NHS treatment, said:

“Ten years of Tory underfunding, cuts and chronic staff shortages left the NHS exposed when the pandemic hit.

“Patients are now left paying the price with waiting lists at record highs. It’s a shocking indictment of 10 years of Conservative government risking significant long term illness and permanent disability for thousands of people.

“Labour is calling for an NHS rescue plan to bring down waiting lists and ensure patients can receive the quality care they deserve.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

• There are now 4.7 million people on the waiting list – the highest on record. This is up from 4.59 in January 2021.
• 387,885 people have now been waiting more than a year for treatment – the highest on record and up 83,841 on last month

https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/rtt-waiting-times/