Figures released by NHS England have shown that the number of those waiting over a year for “non-urgent” surgery are at their highest level in over six years.
Over 3,517 people are waiting for non-urgent surgery – the highest figure since 2012.
In response to the release of the figures, RCSEd President Professor Michael Lavelle-Jones said:
“These figures highlight the immense pressure the NHS is currently under. It is unacceptable for patients to wait such long periods of time for surgery whilst they may be immobile or suffering from pain. NHS England must urgently address the capacity issues which are driving high waiting times. We hope to see proposals to tackle waiting times as a key priority in the forthcoming NHS 10 year plan announced by Theresa May and look to work with NHS England to develop these”.
If you are interested in keeping up to date with RCSEd’s health policy news follow @RCSEdBirmingham on Twitter.
RCSEd (www.rcsed.ac.uk) was first incorporated as the Barber Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1505, and is the oldest surgical corporation in the world with memberships approaching 25,000 professionals in over 100 countries worldwide. The College promotes the highest standards of surgical and dental practice through its interest in education, training and examinations, its liaison with external medical bodies and representation of the modern surgical and dental workforce. It is also home to the UK’s only Faculty of Surgical Trainers, open to all those with an interest in surgical training regardless of College affiliation. Find RCSEd on Twitter www.twitter.com/RCSEd and on Facebook www.facebook.com/rcsed
The College is based at Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DW and can be reached on (0)131 527 1600 or mail@rcsed.ac.uk. In March 2014, a new base opened in Birmingham, catering to the 80% of the College’s UK membership who are based in England and Wales.
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