Lengthy waiting lists for elective and emergency treatment through the NHS are driving increasing volumes of referrals to value added service providers, according to RedArc Nurses.
New data from the support provider shows referrals for cancer and musculoskeletal issues rose 18% and 19% respectively throughout 2022 compared to the previous year. Noting a 25% shortfall in the number of cancer patients that are receiving treatment within a two-month period, RedArc stated that the rise in referrals was due to twin factors of an increase in cases and the impact of longer waiting lists. It also highlighted treatment average waiting times of five months for eating disorders and some cases of two-year waiting times for knee or hip replacement surgeries. Mental health...
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