Hospitals are approaching “critical points” while millions await regular treatment – BBC News

The damage done to many hospital services in England by the coronavirus pandemic is revealed in new NHS data. Now more than 4 million patients are awaiting regular surgery and treatments, nearly half of whom have been waiting for more than 18 weeks, the maximum official goal. Meanwhile in England more than 110,000 people have been waiting for treatment for more than a year. Doctors and patient groups have warned that a second wave of the pandemic, especially in the winter months, could make it even worse. Hospitalization for Covid has doubled in the past two weeks. Health Minister Nadine Dorries has warned that hospitals in England could be at a “critical” point within 10 days. Huw Edwards is presented at BBC News Ten by health editor Hugh Pym and health correspondent Lauren Moss. Please subscribe HERE .

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