Following news that the NHS waiting list has reached a record 5.3 million, the Royal College of Surgeons of England has called on the government to invest in ‘surgical hubs’ and train more frontline NHS staff.

The college has warned that, with coronavirus restrictions lifting on 19 July, surgical hubs are needed across the country to treat the millions of people waiting for hospital treatment.

Stella Vig, RCS England Council member, said:  “We are very concerned that the NHS waiting list for elective treatment is getting larger with each passing month. Behind the stats are patients waiting for planned surgery such as breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy, or a cochlear implant to improve their hearing. These types of procedures are life-changing. With the rest of the country looking forward to restrictions lifting on 19th July, our patients have the right to expect a date in their diary for their operation.

“An operation can enable someone to return to work and an independent life. As a country, we cannot afford to let waiting times for operations get ever longer.  Covid hospital admissions remain relatively low, thanks to the successful vaccination programme. But with cases rising steeply, and emergency departments under pressure, we need government investment in surgical hubs and staff now, to stop surgery slowing down again.”

The latest data reports that there were 5.3 million people on the NHS waiting list in May 2021, the highest number since records began. The legal target is for 92 per cent of patients to be treated within 18 weeks.

The RCS has previously urged every Integrated Care System (ICS) in England to identify at least one 'surgical hub' where planned surgery can continue safely if the country is hit again by coronavirus, a new variant or a severe seasonal flu/winter pressures.