Thread by @DrSteveTaylor

Waiting lists a deep dive 🧵

Progress is being made on waiting lists which is good news given years of previous failure

However there are some things that are being missed and is it as good news as being touted by @wesstreeting @DHSCgovuk @NHSEngland

The good news first, long waits are falling and extremely long are being removed

There are problems meeting the Government target of being seen within 18weeks

Although some progress the target will not be met within the period of this Government

Referrals are higher than completed pathways

So how are waiting lists falling?

There is a task force removing patients from waiting lists and this appears to be the reason for a fall in waiting lists

GPs are also managing many on the waiting lists & reducing immediate referrals although total referrals have not fallen.

Productivity of hospitals remains static rather than improving

Waiting lists are only falling due to people leaving the waiting lists or being removed, rather than any increase in productivity

This remains a significant problem for patients

It also means a huge increase in GP practice appts not GPs managing patients waiting for hospitals

Problem there aren’t enough hospitals beds and occupancy remains too high

There aren’t enough GPs who could manage more in the community because they are being overwhelmed with additional demand

Any finally Independent providers are being restricted but providing a significant number of NHS services

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