Reaction: NHS waiting lists expected to hit ten million amid coronavirus backlog

Healthcare bosses predict number people waiting for treatment will double by Christmas

NHS coronavirus
Experts warn that preparations to avoid worst-case scenario in NHS hospitals ‘must start now’
(Image credit: Leon Neal/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Ten million people may be on NHS waiting lists by the end of the year as the health service battles to clear a backlog of cases, healthcare bosses are warning.

The combined effects of social distancing measures, delays to treatments and staffing challenges stemming from the coronavirus outbreak are likely to see waiting lists doubling from current levels, according to the NHS Confederation.

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