The COVID-19 crisis could cause the NHS waiting list numbers to double, reaching 10 million by the end of the year, assuming the health service makes a steady return to full capacity within the next 12 months.

This could happen due to the backlog of cases, social distancing measures and the number of staff coming back to work. Having said that, the Department of Health has said that they will continue to provide the resources, funding and support the NHS needs, in order to help with this, as much as possible.