What happened: A record 1.92 million patients in England are currently waiting for NHS diagnostic tests, including CT and MRI scans. One in five has been waiting longer than six weeks, with the waiting list growing by 500,000 since 2022.
Why it matters:
- Long waits for diagnostic tests may delay treatment and risk patient health.
- The growing backlog affects a wide range of patients needing scans and assessments.
MNN Take: The NHS diagnostic backlog has increased significantly since the pandemic, reflecting ongoing pressure on healthcare services and the challenge of meeting demand for timely testing.
Sources: Guardian UK