This morning’s NHS England data on waiting lists reveals that the backlog decreased by nearly 100,000 (95,598) through November with the total queue for treatment now at 7.61 million having fallen from last month’s total of 7.71 million people waiting for treatment.
It compares to a total of 6.93 million one year ago and 4.41 million in November 2019 before the pandemic exacerbated the pressures on the public health service.
It suggests the backlog may have reached a peak of 7.77 million in September with two consecutive monthly falls in the queue for treatment since then albeit the winter weather and continued industrial action could once again drive another deterioration.
Brett Hill, Head of Health and Protection at leading independent consultancy Broadstone, commented: “October and November’s downturn in the NHS waiting list offers a glimmer of hope for those in urgent need of treatment and diagnosis.
“However, regardless of monthly movements, as we head into winter the reality is that people will struggle to rely on the public health service to sustain their health.
“This is reflected in record private admissions driven both by people looking to fund their own care as well as employers increasing their coverage of private healthcare options within the workforce.
“This is a trend we expect to see accelerate as businesses must expand their health and wellbeing provision in order to maintain productivity, attract and retain talent and avoid absenteeism. The NHS’ struggles are unlikely to significantly recede over the next couple of years and so it is likely employers will increasingly play a key role in protecting the health of the nation’s workers.”
