One in seven patients ‘wait 18 weeks or more for NHS treatment’

Data from The King's Fund shows NHS waiting times now exceed 18 weeks for one in seven patients, equivalent to almost 15 percent.

This is the highest level since April 2008, leading to widespread reports that times are at their longest for three years.

In contrast, the number of patients having to wait more than six weeks for diagnostic services in February 2011 saw a drop.

This trend countered a steady rise in long-term diagnostic delays that had been continuing since June 2010.

For accident and emergency patients, the situation was worse than the headline figure, with more people waiting for in excess of four hours without being seen than at any point since 2004-05, according to the report.

In a statement addressing the impact of seasonal variations, the organisation observed that hospitals typically see an increase in activity after major holidays such as Christmas.

This corresponds with a lull during the holidays themselves, meaning Easter should see a drop in patient numbers.