NHS data has shown that patients in the poorest communities and those from an Asian or Asian British background are more likely to be waiting longer than 18 weeks than any other group.
Neighbourhood health centres will first be targeted at places where healthy life expectancy is lowest, including deindustrialised cities and coastal towns.
The NHS committed to publishing the data as part of its Elective care reform plan.
The data shows more than half (56 per cent) of the overall waiting list is made up of people of working age [19 to 64]. A third (33 per cent) of those waiting are aged 65 and over, with 11 per cent aged 18 or under.
Stella Vig, NHS national clinical director for elective care, said: “Understanding patient demographics is vital if we are to identify and tackle the way different groups are treated which is why I am delighted we are publishing this data for the first time today, providing greater transparency of NHS services.
“As well as allowing patients and the public to see the makeup of local lists, NHS teams will be able to analyse the latest data, understand where there is unwarranted variation in waiting times, and work with their communities to take action to reduce it.
“Whether it is the work of our specialist teams supporting the areas of highest economic inactivity, employment support in back pain clinics, or targeted interventions to help cut missed appointment rates, this data will be invaluable in boosting the targeted work we are already delivering to reduce both inequalities and waiting times”.
Health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting said: “We inherited an NHS which after years of neglect had left all patients worse off – but some more than others.
“Sunlight is the best disinfectant. Only by being upfront and shining a light on inequalities can we begin to tackle the problem. We will give all patients the care they need when they need it as part of our Plan for Change.
“Our 10 Year Health Plan will tackle health inequalities faced across the country, diverting billions of pounds to working class communities, and providing truly targeted, bespoke care to all patients where they live via the Neighbourhood Health Service”.
