Reform Think Tank Responds to NHS Monthly Performance Data

16 Nov 2020 03:08 PM

Blog posted by: Eleonora Harwich, 12 November 2020.

Plan needed to quell treatment logjam as 52 week waits jump 30,000 in a month, says think tank.

Responding to the latest NHS Performance Indicators, Eleonora Harwich, Director of Research, Reform think tank, said:

“In just a month, almost 30,000 more people are now waiting 52 weeks for treatment. 3.2% of all patients referred by their doctor now face an anxious year waiting for care, in which time relatively benign conditions could become much more serious.

“These statistics do not account for the country entering a second lockdown and Government should be prepared for these numbers to potentially worsen.  

“The Government needs a plan to tackle this. Local health teams need to lead the response by reorganising resources and creating specialist centres to deal with procedures in communities. This must involve repurposing Nightingale facilities and using private providers.” 

For more information or to arrange an interview with Eleonora please contact William Mills, Press and Communications Manager, on 07596 949837 or william.mills@reform.uk