The number of people waiting to start treatment is the highest since records began in August 2007The number of people in England waiting to start routine hospital treatment has risen to a new record high as health leaders urge ministers to delay the end to social restrictions. A total of 5.12 million people were waiting to start treatment at the end of April, the highest number since records began in August 2007. The number of people having to wait longer than 52 weeks to start treatment is about 35 times higher than a year earlier. SponsoredNHS Confederation, which represents organisations across the health service, said that if the data “gives rise to any doubt” then ministers should take “decisive action” and delay lockdown restrictions ending on June 21. The Royal College of Surgeons is urging the government to make waiting times

Source: The Times June 10, 2021 11:02 UTC