Doctors say the NHS is struggling to meet demand in England as new data shows the waiting list for routine treatment increasing for the second month in a row.
An estimated 7.4m planned procedures were waiting to be carried out in July, up 34,000 on the previous month and the highest level since March.
NHS England said many more patients were coming forward for treatment and a doctors' strike in July left 50,000 appointments cancelled.
The Royal College of Surgeons said the system was coming under severe strain and called for more money for new operating theatres in the autumn budget.
"Crumbling hospital buildings are leading surgeons to have to compete for space, directly contributing to delays and leaving patients waiting for the care they need," said the organisation's vice president Prof Frank Smith.
The latest monthly data also showed the number facing very long waits to start routine treatment had increased.
There were 1,429 patients waiting more than 18 months in July, up from 1,103 in June, though down sharply compared to last year.
Routine treatment includes anything booked in advance, from a consultation with a specialist to minor operations or major surgery.
Source: BBC News, 11 September 2025
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