Hospital waits at worst-ever level

Data from NHS Digital shows that more patients than ever before are on hospital waiting lists in England and delays in A&E have hit their worst level since records began. The cancer treatment target is also being missed.

Doctors have warned that services are “imploding”.

None of the three key hospital targets has been met for over three years.

The figures show:

  • 4.42 million patients on the waiting list at the end of September;
  • 84.8% of them waiting under 18 weeks – below the 92% target;
  • 76.9% of cancer patients starting treatment within 62 days – below the 85% target;
  • 83.6% of accident-and-emergency patients admitted or transferred within four hours during October – below the 95% target.

Full article on the BBC News, 14 November 2019