Timely access to tests such as an MRI scan, ultrasound or gastroscopy is critical for high-quality care, experts warn
Almost five million patients waited longer than they should for scans and tests last year, figures show, a 12-fold increase compared to before the pandemic.
Fewer than one per cent of patients should wait six weeks or more for a diagnostic test, according to NHS England guidance.
But the most recent figures from August show almost a third (31 per cent) are waiting six weeks, while more than one in 10 (12 per cent) are waiting more than three months.
The analysis of NHS figures, carried out by the Labour Party, also shows 4.8 million patients waited more than six weeks for a test or scan from Sept 2021 to Aug 2022.