Kingston hospital has slashed its backlog of the number of people waiting for treatment.

From April to July 2021, the 18 week waiting list at the hospital fell from 4,873 to 3,098, a drop of 36%.

The hospital's non-18-week waiting list also saw a decrease going from 3,500 to 2,600 patients over the same period.

Most dramatically, the number of patients waiting over a year for treatment at the hospital was cut from 227 to 71.

Kingston hospital say they have been able to combat the long waiting lists caused by the pandemic by running additional clinics, making use of the private sector and working weekends.

The trust, which looks after residents in Richmond as well as Kingston borough, has made progress with referral to treatment times despite taking on 200 additional patients to support other trusts in South West London.

At Richmond Council's Adult Social Services, Health and Housing committee on September 9, the trust revealed: "Referral to treatment compliance has increased from 80.5 per cent to 86.55 per cent."

The hospital said they had also seen an increase in cancer referrals, particularly dermatology, breast and gynaecology and is meeting all its cancer standards.

But they added: "In line with the rest of London, our emergency department is exceptionally busy."

As well as working to reduce the backlog, staff at the hospital have also found time to fundraise for improved ICU facilities and plant beautiful flowers in hospital grounds to help their wellbeing.

This news comes after it was revealed that waiting lists for hospital treatment in England had reached a record high.

Sky News reported that in July 2021 5.6 million patients in the country were waiting for hospital treatment - the highest number since records began in 2007.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid later announced a cash injection of £5.4 million into the NHS, including £1 million to help trusts tackle backlogs of patients.

Have you signed up for our weekly newsletter yet? Sign up HERE for the top Kingston stories in your inbox each Friday!