The effect of COVID-19 on NHS waiting lists has been well documented, with recent estimates placing the number of people waiting for NHS treatment at over 5 million.
With elective procedures currently taking place at four-fifths of pre-pandemic levels and exceeding the official 70% target, researchers have estimated that endoscopies would have to be carried out at 130% of pre-Covid capacity.
Government funding through the Elective Recovery Fund (ERF) is providing an extra £1bn for planned services over the next 6 months aimed to improve patient access to the right care. Insourcing provides the best return.
One year on, and the COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to disrupt NHS services with the latest figures show that 2.7 million fewer elective procedures being carried out.