The Royal College of Physicians has responded to Labour's plans to cut waiting lists through measures including investing an extra £1.1 billion to provide NHS staff overtime to work evening and weekend shifts to carry out procedures.
Dr Sarah Clarke, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:
“The NHS is under huge pressure and waiting lists are at record levels. ‘Catch up’ clinics are already making a difference in some areas, so a national expansion of this would be good news. The devil will be in the detail to ensure it is widely and fairly available to patients and that staff are able to work through lists in the most targeted and effective way. Staff have been working incredibly hard for a long time. Improving working conditions to improve the retention of our existing workforce, alongside long-term workforce expansion, will be key."