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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Jon Ungoed-Thomas

‘Staggering shortfall’ of NHS staff as record number of patients wait for tests

New statistics published last week revealed that the NHS’s total diagnostic waiting list in England now stands at 1,658,221
New statistics published last week revealed that the NHS’s total diagnostic waiting list in England now stands at 1,658,221. Photograph: FatCamera/Getty Images

The waiting lists for diagnostic tests, including cancer scans, is at a record high in NHS England, with doctors warning of a “staggering shortfall” of clinical radiologists.

Figures published on Thursday reveal the diagnostic waiting list stands at 1,658,221 – twice what it was 10 years ago. Nearly 500,000 patients are waiting for CT scans and MRIs.

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