Record number of people waiting for NHS diagnostic tests in England
Summary
A record 1.92 million patients in England are waiting for NHS diagnostic tests like ultrasounds, CT, and MRI scans, with many facing waits longer than the six-week maximum. The growing demand, driven by an aging population and more chronic illnesses, is causing concerns that delays could harm patients by slowing diagnosis and treatment.Key Facts
- 1.92 million people in England are waiting for diagnostic tests on the NHS.
- Over 400,000 patients (about one in five) wait longer than six weeks, the NHS target.
- The diagnostic waiting list increased by 500,000 since 2022 and is 83% higher than before the pandemic.
- The waiting list could reach 2 million by March 2027 if trends continue.
- Delays are longest in some areas, making timely cancer diagnosis and heart treatment harder.
- Despite record numbers of tests being done (2.61 million in March alone), demand is outstripping capacity.
- Experts warn that delayed tests can worsen health conditions and increase patient anxiety.
- Health leaders call for better use of resources, faster testing, clearer patient information, and financial incentives to improve services.
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