There is no doubt that the difficulties in supplying healthcare during the pandemic have resulted in severe queues and prolonged wait times for patients! Given that, requirements for hospital treatment already exceeded the amount before COVID-19. At this speed, it will take decades to tackle the queues!  

Will things be looking up for the NHS?  

Waiting lists may start to decrease in 2023 if the NHS is capable of significantly raising its treatment numbers over 2019 figures. 

The total number of individuals clearing the waiting list each month seems to have been fewer than we predicted since the NHS has treated smaller amounts of individuals from the waiting list. All other aspects being equal, that would result in the queue size extending more quickly than we intended. 

However, there are also other choices such as you can opt to go private if you are facing a long delay and it is an alternative for you. 

Considering private vs. Public healthcare 

Private care is typically a less complicated choice for one-time procedures but there may still be some legal work. This will involve getting a referral and selecting a doctor, and it is quite expensive. 

Also, there is a "mystery" waiting list of individuals who either chose not to seek treatment during the pandemic or were unable to do so. If just half of these "mystery" patients come back, a recent prediction made by the National Audit Office suggests that general treatment waiting lists may exceed 12 million by March 2025! 

How do the residents of Bradford feel about this? 

Due to the reoccurring requirement for effective infection control and an inadequate supply of workers, the crisis will take even longer to resolve as demand rises. - N Mahmood 

Getting trapped on the waiting list is incredibly stressful on both an emotional and physical level. – M.N Khan 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

So how precisely are we going to handle this persistent problem? 

It is not unusual to have to wait a prolonged period to receive treatment. 

It can be frustrating, especially if your diagnosis leaves you with a lot of aches and pains. However, with adequate support and knowledge, things can improve. 

The following are some questions to inquire about if you are being recommended for treatment so that you are mindful of what may occur next: 

  • Talk with your doctor about the regular waiting times for patients with your problem at the hospital where you will be treated; they should be able to provide you with an approximation. 
  • Check the support services available. This will help you in becoming as prepared as possible for surgery, as this will certainly speed up and ease your treatment. 
  • If you have still not received anything or your problems radically change, be certain that you know who to call.