Recent analyses reveal that an alarming number of children in England are enduring extensive waiting times for essential NHS community care services, with many waiting more than a year for support. As the demand for services such as speech therapy, hearing assessments, and disability support escalates, experts caution that these delays are having detrimental effects on children’s health and development.
Unprecedented Waiting Times
According to a report from the BBC, approximately 300,000 children are currently on waiting lists for community care across England, with a staggering 25% of these young patients waiting over a year. NHS leaders and healthcare professionals are sounding the alarm, describing these delays as “catastrophic.” They are urging the government to prioritise these long waits with the same urgency that has been applied to the backlog in hospital services.
Tiya Currie, a mother from London, shares her experience with her son Arun, who has faced significant challenges with speech since early childhood. After enduring two years of frustrating waiting lists, Tiya and her husband ultimately opted to spend £4,000 from their savings to access private speech therapy. This decision was prompted by the urgent need for a diagnosis, which confirmed that Arun suffers from developmental language disorder (DLD).
Tiya expressed her concerns, stating, “It absolutely crushes me that there are so many people out there who need access to speech and language therapists, but aren’t getting it due to long waiting lists and it not being affordable.” With the right support, Arun is now making noticeable progress, highlighting the critical need for timely intervention.
The Impact of Prolonged Waits
The situation has worsened significantly over the past three years. Since the beginning of 2023, there has been a six-fold increase in the number of children waiting over a year for community care, with more than 77,500 now in this predicament. While adult patients rarely face such lengthy waits—only about 1% experience delays exceeding a year—children are disproportionately affected, with 26% of young patients currently waiting that long.
Many of the children on these lengthy lists have complex needs, including learning disabilities, autism, or ADHD assessments. Elliot Howard-Jones, chair of the Robinson Group, emphasised the importance of timely support for children’s development. He noted, “For a child, waiting means your peer group moves on while you don’t. You fall behind and never catch up.”
Calls for Change
The growing concern among healthcare professionals has been echoed by senior NHS leaders who warn of the consequences of chronic underfunding. Richard Kirby, chair of the NHS Confederation, pointed out that the demand for services is far outpacing available capacity. He stated, “Without more help, children will continue to wait longer and fall further behind—that is a situation none of us should accept.”
Dr Ronny Cheung from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health added, “Many treatments need to be given by a specific age or developmental stage to prevent long-lasting complications.” The longer children wait, the more likely they are to miss vital intervention opportunities.
In response to these pressing issues, the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the unacceptable nature of such waiting times. They have announced plans to implement a new target aiming for community health services to see patients within 18 weeks, aligning with hospital expectations. Furthermore, the government intends to invest more in community services as part of its long-term NHS strategy.
Why it Matters
The current crisis in NHS community care for children is a pressing concern that impacts the health and future of countless young lives. Delays in access to necessary therapies can hinder development and exacerbate existing conditions. It is imperative that the government takes decisive action to enhance resources and reduce waiting times, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and receive the support they need during crucial developmental stages. The health of future generations depends on the steps we take today.
