NHS England data on waiting lists shows a backlog decrease of 95,598.
In comparison to last month, the overall number of patients awaiting treatment has decreased to 7.61 million from 7.71 million.
This is an improvement above the 4.41 million in November 2019 and the 6.93 million in November of the prior year, which occurred before the pandemic put more burden on the public health system.
According to these numbers, the backlog may have peaked in September at 7.77 million, and the treatment waiting list has since declined for two months running. Ongoing winter conditions and labour issues, however, provide possible obstacles that could worsen the situation.
Broadstone head of health and protection Brett Hill says: “October and November’s downturn in the NHS waiting list offers a glimmer of hope for those in urgent need of treatment and diagnosis.
“However, regardless of monthly movements, as we head into winter the reality is that people will struggle to rely on the public health service to sustain their health.
“This is reflected in record private admissions driven both by people looking to fund their own care as well as employers increasing their coverage of private healthcare options within the workforce.
“This is a trend we expect to see accelerate as businesses must expand their health and wellbeing provision in order to maintain productivity, attract and retain talent and avoid absenteeism. The NHS’ struggles are unlikely to significantly recede over the next couple of years and so it is likely employers will increasingly play a key role in protecting the health of the nation’s workers.”
