US EditionGovernment Could Fall Short on Pledge to Cut NHS Waiting Lists, Analysis Finds
Analysis by the Health Foundation shows waiting lists could fall to 4.7 million by 2029 but average waits will exceed 20 weeks, missing the 18-week target despite some improvements.
- This year, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged 92% of routine operations within 18 weeks by the end of Parliament, but the Health Foundation analysis finds the Government could fall short.
- When the Labour Government came to power, the NHS faced 7.6 million patients on waiting lists with 58.8% seen within 18 weeks, and waits grew during the pandemic as NHS trusts scaled back routine care.
- Recent NHS performance numbers indicate 61.3% of patients were seen within 18 weeks, the total waiting list fell to 7.4 million, referrals rose 1.5%, and removals increased 2.3%.
- NHS trusts report that just over a third are making progress under the waiting-time plan, while strikes and the prospect of further industrial action delay appointments.
- Based on trends over the past year, the Health Foundation projects a 4.7 million waiting‑list projection, but reaching the 18‑week standard requires smarter NHS workforce and infrastructure use.
12 Articles
12 Articles
NHS wait times improve but 18-week target likely missed – research
New analysis shows the government are cutting NHS elective waiting times, but warns current trends fall sort of restoring the 18-week standard by 2029. Since Labour took office, reducing elective care waits has been a key priority. Prime minister Keir Starmer said in the next four years 92% of patients should receive treatment within 18 weeks of being given a referral. New research, published today, from the Health Foundation analysed current t…
Flagship NHS pledge hanging in the balance - experts - Daily news Update
The government’s flagship NHS pledge to get back to hitting the 18-week waiting time target in England by the end of the parliament is hanging in the balance, experts say. An analysis by the Health Foundation shows, on current trends, waiting times will still be over 20 weeks by July 2029. The think-tank is warning the huge efforts being put into reducing waiting times also risks distracting from other priorities in the NHS, including improving …
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