NHS Community Care Waiting Lists Surge Amid Rising Demand for Weight-Loss Jabs and Autism Assessments

Strategic Insights -

NHS waiting lists for community care services, particularly for children, have grown significantly, with a 58% increase in children's waiting lists since 2022, compared to a 23% increase for adults. This surge is largely attributed to the growing demand for neurodevelopmental assessments, including autism and ADHD diagnoses, as well as weight-loss jabs and speech and language therapy. According to a report by the Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation, nearly 60% of children on the waiting list are awaiting community paediatric services, which include neurodevelopmental assessments. In contrast, 44% of adults on the waiting list are waiting for musculoskeletal services, and a significant portion is waiting for weight management services, which have seen a 512% increase.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NHS community care waiting list for children in England has grown by 58% since 2022, compared to a 23% increase for adults.
  • Over 55% of children and young people on the waiting list are awaiting neurodevelopmental assessments, including autism and ADHD diagnoses.
  • Speech and language therapy services are in high demand, with 21% of children on the waiting list waiting for these services.
  • Physiotherapy, audiology services, and occupational therapy are also in demand, with 6% of children on the waiting list awaiting each service.
  • Overall, waits for children and young people are much longer than for adults, with almost one in four waiting more than a year and one in 15 waiting over two years.
  • The largest percentage increase in community service demand occurred in weight management services for adults, with a 512% increase.
  • The number of NHS staff has increased more rapidly in hospitals than in community settings, with 42% growth in adult hospital nurses and 93% growth in children's hospital nurses since 2010.

Statistics:

  • 58% increase in children's NHS community care waiting lists since 2022.
  • 23% increase in adult NHS community care waiting lists since 2022.
  • 55% of children on the waiting list are awaiting neurodevelopmental assessments.
  • 21% of children on the waiting list are waiting for speech and language therapy services.
  • 6% of children on the waiting list are waiting for physiotherapy, audiology services, and occupational therapy each.
  • Almost one in four children on the waiting list have been waiting more than a year.
  • One in 15 children on the waiting list have been waiting over two years.
  • 44% of adults on the waiting list are waiting for musculoskeletal services.
  • 512% increase in weight management services for adults.

Sources:

  • Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation report.
  • "The NHS Community Care Waiting List: A Growing Problem" briefing by Jessica Morris, Nuffield Trust fellow.