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300k more patients on NHS waiting list since 2010

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The number of patients on a waiting list for treatment at Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) hospitals has risen by more than 300,000 under the coalition government, official figures show.

Data from the NHS revealed that 2.88 million Britons were waiting for consultant-led treatment in December 2013, up by 310,000 or 12 percent in May 2010, when the coalition government took office.

Chief executive of the Patients Association Katherine Murphy said more patients are now on NHS waiting lists because of the health service’s rationing and the financial pressures at a time of austerity.

“It’s worrying that the number of extra people waiting is that high. That 310,000 is a huge number of people who are waiting for what is quite often life-changing surgery,” she added.

Britain’s main opposition Labour Party also said the lengthened waiting lists show the NHS lacks good management.

“[British Prime Minister] David Cameron promised to keep waiting times low but these figures show he has broken his promise”, said Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham.

NHS officials, however, cited the ageing population and a growing number of people with one or more long-term conditions as the reasons behind the longer waiting lists.

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