NHS must treat 10% more non-urgent cases a month to reduce backlog – study

Figures show NHS falling behind on target to reduce hefty post-pandemic waiting list in England

The NHS must treat at least 10% more non-emergency hospital cases a month if it wants to reduce the hefty backlog caused by the pandemic, according to new analysis.

From February 2020 to October 2022, the waiting list for non-urgent care in England grew by 2.6m cases - a projected 1.8m more than if the pandemic had not hit.