Shortage of consultants blamed as 907,000 patients on waiting lists  

The number of patients waiting more than 18 months for their first outpatient appointment has risen since August to stand at 120,443, including 16,831 children. Stock picture

There are now 907,000 people on hospital waiting lists, including more than 85,000 children waiting for their first hospital appointment despite efforts to reduce waiting times.

The number waiting more than 18 months for their first appointment, as an outpatient, has risen since August to stand at 120,443 — this figure includes 16,831 children.