‘Staggering shortfall’ of NHS staff as record number of patients wait for tests

Lack of radiologists blamed for waiting list for diagnostic tests more than doubling in 10 years in England

The waiting lists for diagnostic tests, including cancer scans, is at a record high in NHS England, with doctors warning of a staggering shortfall" of clinical radiologists.

Figures published on Thursday reveal the diagnostic waiting list stands at 1,658,221 - twice what it was 10 years ago. Nearly 500,000 patients are waiting for CT scans and MRIs.