The number of people in England waiting to start routine NHS hospital treatment has risen to a new record high, as the backlog that grew during the pandemic causes immense strain on the health service.

A total of 6.4 million people were waiting to start treatment at the end of March, up from 6.2 million in February, according to NHS England in newly released figures.

This is the highest number since records began in August 2007.

The NHS, which has a staff shortage of around 110,000, is under immense pressure, with a high demand for urgent and emergency care and Covid-related staff absences among the factors that have caused delays.

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