Fact checks about efficiency and inefficiency in the NHS and the outcomes of the Naylor review
Health
The number of cases waiting more than 18 weeks for NHS England treatment has soared in the last 14 years, but it wasn’t zero when the Conservatives took office. Read
Health
The latest figures show there are 7.8 million cases waiting for planned treatment in England—but only 6.5 million people, because some are waiting for more than one thing. Read
Health
The health secretary has not explained what his claim was based on, but the best comparable data we can find suggests those in Wales are around 60% more likely to be on a waiting list. Read
Health
Apparently contradictory research from Labour and the Times suggests that either 121,000 or 340,000 people died while waiting for treatment in England last year. Read
Health
FOI information obtained by Labour contained errors, which made it appear that a patient had waited continuously in A&E when in fact they left the hospital and returned the following month. Read
Health
Rishi Sunak says the government’s “cutting waiting lists”. That’s true in the case of some specific NHS waiting lists, but not for the main list overall. Read
Health
This widely reported figure is an estimate, based on several assumptions that may not be right. Read
Health
A headline suggesting otherwise is not accurate. There is a reported shortage of appointments for new NHS patients, however. Read
A social media post incorrectly claims that a letter written to The Times was from a doctor who died in 2016. Read
Health
There are some important caveats to figures showing GP appointments drop off later in the week. Read
