From hip and knee replacements to cataract surgeries, more than six million people are currently waiting for NHS treatment in England.
According to data from NHS England, there were 5,695,599 patients waiting for treatment in NHS hospitals at the end of December 2021, with a further 371,727 NHS patients waiting in the independent sector, which totals 6,067,326.
This includes treatment such as dermatology, cardiology and ear, nose and throat services.
Data also reveals that some patients have had to wait more than a year to receive treatment, with 297,807 of those still waiting at the end of December waiting for more than 52 weeks for NHS hospitals and 13,006 in the independent sector - a total of 310,813.
But which types of treatment have the longest waiting lists?
These are the 14 treatment areas with the most people waiting in England.
1. Trauma and Orthopaedic Service
700,888 people are on the trauma and orthopaedic service treatment waiting list, with 60,028 waiting more than 52 weeks. This would include treatment for instability and arthritis, fractures and dislocations. | Adobe
2. Ophthalmology Service
602,110 people are on the ophthalmology treatment waiting list, with 27,146 waiting more than 52 weeks. This would include operations such as cataract surgery. | Adobe
3. Ear Nose and Throat Service
466,548 people are on the ear, nose and throat treatment waiting list, with 37,532 waiting more than 52 weeks. This would include major head and neck procedures, and microsurgery on the ear. | Adobe
4. Gynaecology Service
447,339 people are on the gynaecology treatment waiting list, with 23,582 waiting more than 52 weeks. This would include gynaecological problems including endometriosis, urogynaecology and cancer. | Adobe