We're right on track, says Streeting as key target for hospital waiting times hit

Nick Triggle, Health correspondent

The UK government has achieved an important interim target aimed at expediting hospital treatment in England. The objective was to ensure that 65% of patients receive treatment within 18 weeks by March 2026, and this target has been reached, albeit narrowly, with the result standing at 65.3%.

This milestone is regarded as a crucial step toward fulfilling Labour's manifesto commitment of achieving 92% by the end of this Parliament in 2029.

The announcement arrives amidst increasing speculation regarding Health Secretary Wes Streeting potentially launching a leadership bid to become the next prime minister.

Streeting celebrated this accomplishment, noting that performance was below 59% when Labour assumed power. He remarked, "It means we are right on track to deliver the fastest reduction in waiting times in the history of the NHS. That is thanks to the government's investment, modernisation, and the remarkable efforts of staff right across the country. Lots done, lots more to do."

Additionally, the overall waiting list saw a decrease, dropping from 7.2 million to 7.1 million in just one month—marking the lowest level recorded in three and a half years.

NHS England Chief Executive Sir Jim Mackey characterized this achievement as a "huge moment." He stated, "Today's achievement goes beyond a set of remarkable statistics – it shows that we're making real inroads on the things that matter to our patients and communities," highlighting the significance of this progress despite the challenges faced by the NHS.

Hard to sustain

However, experts have cautioned that there remains a considerable distance to cover before achieving the target of 92%, a benchmark that has not been met in over a decade. Tim Mitchell, representing the Royal College of Surgeons of England, noted that while staff are exerting maximum effort, their work is being undermined by chronic under-investment in facilities and equipment. "Too many teams are still working in ageing buildings with too few theatres and beds," he said. "Without addressing these constraints, progress for patients already waiting will remain fragile."

Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of the King's Fund, emphasized that the interim target was only met following an influx of additional funding from the government since January, enabling hospitals to ramp up efforts to meet the March deadline. She described this spring funding and expressed concerns about the sustainability of such financial support moving forward. "It brings into question whether reaching the eventual 92% target by rinsing and repeating this sequence of 'elective sprints' is financially feasible or manageable for already stretched NHS staff," Woolnough articulated.

Furthermore, she pointed out that an exclusive focus on the 18-week target risks overshadowing the reality that other waiting lists continue to expand, suggesting that the government should reconsider its narrow focus on this specific target.