It is often assumed to be inevitable that large numbers of people will have to wait long periods of time before they can have the surgical operations that they need. The author who has worked in the NHS for a number of years has recently completed an analyses of hospital waiting lists, and challenges this complacent attitude. In this book he examines each of the commonly given reasons for long waiting-lists and rigorously analyses the available data. He also discusses the role of private practice, the defects in the running of the National Health Service, and the initiatives that have been taken so far to shorten waiting-lists. Finally he makes recommendations for the publication of available data, suggests what further investigations should be carried out, and puts forward his own proposals for reducing or eliminating waiting-lists. Readership: hospital consultants, health authority managers and members, general pracititioners, community health workers, patients and their relatives and representatives.