More than 21,000 people waiting a year or more for surgery 

Hospital doctors have said Covid-19 exacerbated “already unsustainable waiting lists” and that, without urgent action, it could be 2035 before waiting lists are brought down to a more manageable level.

More than 21,000 people have been waiting over a year for surgery, with the 145% increase in the numbers stuck on lists being attributed to the pandemic.

Hospital doctors have said Covid-19 exacerbated “already unsustainable waiting lists” and that, without urgent action, it could be 2035 before waiting lists are brought down to a more manageable level.