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COVID-19 has had a profound effect on NHS diagnostics as evident in the most recent activity and waiting time data published.
Many diagnostic services were impacted during the first wave of the pandemic and activity has only partially recovered.
Many diagnostic services were impacted during the first wave of the pandemic and activity has only partially recovered.
Diagnostic waiting times have increased dramatically.
The NHS target is for less than 1% of patients to be waiting more than 6 weeks for a diagnostic test.
By Sept 2020, the number of patients waiting over 6 weeks stood at 472,100, 38% of the total.
The NHS target is for less than 1% of patients to be waiting more than 6 weeks for a diagnostic test.
By Sept 2020, the number of patients waiting over 6 weeks stood at 472,100, 38% of the total.
The highest impact has been in endoscopy services with 62% gastroscopy referrals waiting over 6 weeks, according to the latest diagnostics waiting times published.
The largest numbers of patients waiting are in imaging for ultrasound, CT and MR scans. Overall over 1.2 million patients were awaiting diagnostics in August 2020 , an increase of 24% compared to last year.
While the NHS comes under pressure for the second wave, it is vital that every effort is made to sustain NHS diagnostic services.
Cancer referrals are prioritised and it is important patients continue to be referred for diagnostics including chest x-rays.
Cancer referrals are prioritised and it is important patients continue to be referred for diagnostics including chest x-rays.
To view the latest published diagnostic activity and waiting times data for England see https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/monthly-diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/monthly-diagnostics-data-2020-21/
