A BBC News investigation reveals that patients in England are experiencing delays due to hidden waiting lists not reflected in official figures. While the published waiting list stands at 7.6 million, the actual backlog is believed to be much larger because patients needing ongoing care aren’t automatically included, even if they face significant delays. Some patients wait for months or even years for crucial treatments like cancer care and spinal treatment, risking deteriorating health. Despite guidelines requiring hospitals to monitor and count such cases, evidence suggests compliance is inconsistent. This issue affects millions annually, with inadequate tracking systems leading to patients being removed from waiting lists or left in limbo. The situation has prompted concerns from healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups, highlighting the risks of irreversible harm due to delayed treatment.
Have you or someone you know experienced challenges with healthcare waiting lists, and what measures do you think could improve the situation to ensure timely treatment for all patients?
A family friend I know was diagnosed with a tumor (it was declared to be benign) and was put on a waiting list for surgery for 11 months. However, they chose to travel to India and get the surgery done as soon as possible as there is never a guarantee as to when a benign tumor could possibly become malignant and it was not worth the risk to wait for 11 months to get the surgery done. However, many people cannot afford to do this; the long NHS waiting lists need to be addressed as soon as possible.
I absolutely love the UK for free healthcare, but also completely dislike the fact that to get it you need to survive long queues. I had to get a few check ups myself, and the queue was almost 3 months long. Horrible, and defeats the purpose of free and accessible healthcare
me. i waited 5 YEARS for a patch test! when i went back to the dermatologist for a checkup a year after my initial appointment, i told the doctor i had not received any letters regarding the patch test appointment and she assured me she would rebook it urgently. 4 more years went by before i got a call to schedule it. At this point i had already gone to my home country (spain) to get it done. and i have more personal stories
As an international student, the first thing I made sure to pack in my bags were a whole bunch of essential medicines, in case things went south. The long waiting lists seem like a foreign concept as where I come from the concept of waiting lists doesn’t seem to be as prevalent. The issue with NHS definitely needs to be resolved.
the problem needs to be addressed soon because otherwise people are going to start thinking that private healthcare is a better option than the NHS and i don’t want to be in the situation like the NHS
The more and more I read about the current state of the NHS actually concerns me regarding my health and the health of those close to me. I don’t even know if I could rely on the NHS even if I was really sick anymore. I think the government is letting the NHS become a shambles so people don’t rely on it and decide to go private instead without any other choice. We are already seeing it with dentists. And for those who cannot afford private medical care (the vast majority of us) it is a really precarious situation.
