So this is my second stab at using my AI friend, Chat GPT, to explore NHS waiting lists and what needs to be done to reduce them without spending a fortune that we haven’t got.
My first attempt did eventually come up with some useful data and some graphical diagrams. I always find it easier to understand pictures😀
Here is some of what I have found so far :-
- 7.4 million cases as of May-June 2025.
- trauma & orthopaedics 850,000 (11% of total)
- ENT 616,000 (8%)
- Ophthalmology 500,000 (7%)
- Gynaecology 500,000 (7%)
- Cardiology 400,000 (5%)
- Dermatology 400,000 (5%)
- Oncology ?
- Mental Health (370,000-470,00) monthly
- ADHD assessments (549,00)
- Heart Valve procedures (300,000)
This accounts for roughly 3.5 million cases or approximately half the list.
No one speciality dominates the waiting list. Or looked at another way they are all behind. Mental Health seems to be a fast growing area of unfulfilled demand.
This must be the picture that confronts a new Government and a new Health Minister when they come into post.
SO WHERE ON EARTH DO YOU START?
A rather odd pye graph from Chat GP, which doesn’t relate to the figures in the list above?
AI can’t make its mind up about ADHD or is AHDH and why twice?
It seems blind to ophthalmology 😀 and ENT is duplicated.
All a bit of a mess. Thank goodness AI is not doing operations yet!
GrumbleSmiles 
totally confused. I belive the chart should or maybe should have been constructed on age groups using the NHS, then the PYE Charts could be applied per age group. maybe over a group of ages bridging say 15 yeras, pergroup.
This may help us the public to understand the dialemas of the current medical proffession, and to whom they are helping?
Do we indeed need instant care for the younger person, and the working groups of the Nation who help us and defend us, and provide the income for the nation, or do we rattle the old folks and older generation, who may be asleep in their chairs dreaming of yesteryear? What do we NEED and REQUIRE as a nation? Growth and security?? maybe wir=th consideration for those who have toiled for the nation and now just need sociology and comforf in their old age??
WE all, every generation has to think, what is it that we each require from our todays nation workkforce and medical profession?? It is not easy!!!!!