NHS England data on waiting lists shows a backlog decrease of 95,598.
The total number of patients awaiting treatment has dropped from 7.71 million to 7.61 million compared to last month.
This is an improvement from 4.41 million in November 2019 and 6.93 million in the previous year’s November, pre-dating the increased strain on the public health system caused by the epidemic.
These figures suggest that the backlog might have reached its highest point in September at 7.77 million, with two consecutive months of decline in the treatment waiting list since then. However, the ongoing winter conditions and labor disputes pose potential challenges, leading to further deterioration in 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.”
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