Tens of thousands of patients in Wigan were waiting for routine NHS treatment as of October, with official figures revealing a substantial backlog in local health services. Data from NHS England shows that 46,081 people were on waiting lists for non-urgent procedures and appointments at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This figure marks a slight increase from September's total of 45,998 and represents a significant rise from the 31,189 patients awaiting treatment in October 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among those on the waiting list, approximately 4,000 individuals have been waiting for more than 52 weeks to begin their treatment. This extended wait time contrasts sharply with the NHS's national target, which aims for 92% of patients to start routine treatment within 18 weeks of referral. The persistent challenge of long waiting lists not only impacts patient health and quality of life but also places considerable strain on healthcare providers and resources.
Nationally, the picture remains challenging, with NHS England reporting that 7.71 million routine treatments were outstanding across the country in October. This national backlog underscores the widespread impact of the pandemic and other pressures on the health service's capacity to deliver timely care. The government has set a target to eliminate all waits over 65 weeks by March 2024 and all waits over 52 weeks by March 2025, a goal that requires substantial effort and investment.
The types of routine treatments included in these figures span a wide range of medical specialities, from orthopaedic procedures like hip and knee replacements to ophthalmology appointments and general surgery. Delays in these areas can lead to worsening conditions, increased pain, and a reduced quality of life for patients. The NHS acknowledges the challenge and is working to implement strategies to reduce these backlogs, including increased capacity and innovative approaches to care delivery.
Patients experiencing discomfort or a worsening of their condition while on a waiting list are always advised to contact their GP or NHS 111 for guidance. These services can assess individual circumstances and provide advice on managing symptoms or, if necessary, expedite care based on clinical need. Understanding the options available is crucial for those navigating the current waiting list landscape.
The ongoing efforts to tackle these waiting lists involve a combination of measures, including elective recovery plans, increased diagnostic capacity through community diagnostic centres, and optimising theatre utilisation. However, the scale of the challenge in areas like Wigan highlights the sustained pressure on local NHS trusts to meet demand while striving for national targets.
Source: Wigan Today, NHS England