NHS waiting list rises for third month in row

The latest NHS England data shows that the number of people waiting for treatment in England has risen for the third consecutive month, reaching 7.41 million by the end of August. This marks a significant increase from the previous month's figure of 7.35 million. The report indicates that the waiting list continues to grow, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by the healthcare system in addressing the backlog of patients requiring treatment. The data also reveals that the number of patients waiting more than 52 weeks for treatment has increased, further highlighting the strain on the NHS. The NHS has acknowledged the rising waiting list and is working to address the issue, including through measures to increase capacity and improve efficiency. However, the persistent increase in the number of people waiting for treatment underscores the ongoing pressures facing the healthcare system in England.