A significant number of NHS trusts in England have observed a deterioration in hospital waiting times over the past year. Despite enduring prolonged delays for more than a decade under the Conservative government, progress is now being achieved. However, 31 hospital trusts have regressed.
Labor, before assuming power in 2024, made a pivotal manifesto pledge to ensure timely treatment for planned care, such as knee and hip surgeries, within 18 weeks. Data from the NHS, disclosed to the BBC under Freedom of Information laws, disclosed that 17 hospital trusts have made minimal advancements toward meeting the 18-week target out of the 129 trusts required to report.
The target mandates that 92% of patients should receive treatment within 18 weeks, with an interim national goal of 65% set for March 2026. The government unveiled its strategy to address the backlog a year ago, when 59.2% of patients in England were waiting within this timeframe. This has marginally improved to 61.8%, with the overall appointment backlog dropping to 7.31 million, the lowest since February 2023.
Nevertheless, some hospitals are struggling to make headway, hindering Labor’s efforts to revamp the NHS. For instance, at East Cheshire NHS Trust, only around half of patients are being seen within the stipulated timeframe, marking a decline from the previous year. Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust also saw a decrease in the proportion of patients receiving timely care due to staff shortages and a surge in cancer referrals.
Resident doctors’ strike actions have contributed to prolonged waits at certain trusts, such as Whittington Health NHS Trust and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. At Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, the implementation of a new electronic patient record system disrupted services, leading to a decline in timely treatments.
Conversely, some hospitals have shown significant improvements, with Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust making a 17% enhancement. Five NHS trusts have recorded improvements ranging from 9% to 10%. Recent monthly NHS data for England indicates a substantial reduction in the elective waiting list, the largest in 15 years outside of the pandemic.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the government’s commitment to translating promises into tangible changes benefiting patients. Notably, waiting lists have decreased by over 312,000, with more patients receiving treatment within the designated 18-week period. The government’s proactive measures, including increased evening and weekend appointments, expanded community testing, and specialized surgical hubs, have been instrumental in addressing the backlog and enhancing efficiency within the healthcare system.
