Responding to reports that the announcement of plans to tackle the backlog of patients on hospital waiting lists in England has been delayed, Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the London Assembly Health Committee, said:
“Thousands of Londoners are currently enduring a lengthy and uncertain wait for treatment, which can have a devastating impact on their quality of life.
“Last month, the London Assembly Health Committee held a meeting on how the pandemic has affected waiting times for elective and outpatient treatment and the implications of this for Londoners’ health.
“We heard that, according to the latest data, the overall waiting list in London is about 950,000 people.
“Macmillan Cancer Support told us that cancer diagnoses are being affected by long waiting times, with some patients receiving a diagnosis and sadly going straight into end-of-life care.
“There is real human suffering behind the numbers. It is vital that these issues are addressed, and that NHS staff receive all the support they need in their efforts to tackle the backlog.”
Notes to editors
- Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the Health Committee, is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Health Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more details, please contact Emma Bowden in the Assembly Media Office on 07849 303897. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.