Streeting hails NHS progress as key hospital waiting time milestone met

The UK government has successfully met an interim target aimed at expediting hospital treatment in England.

The target required 65% of patients to be treated within 18 weeks by March 2026, with the actual figure reaching 65.3%. This achievement is seen as a foundational step towards the ambitious goal of reaching 92% by the conclusion of the Parliament in 2029, which is a significant pledge outlined within Labour's manifesto.

This announcement arises amidst increasing speculation regarding Health Secretary Wes Streeting's potential leadership challenge for prime ministership.

Streeting expressed pride in the accomplishment, noting that performance levels were recorded at below 59% upon Labour's entry into 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 total number of patients awaiting treatment also demonstrated improvement, decreasing from 7.2 million to 7.1 million within a month, marking the lowest figure in three and a half years.

Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive of NHS England, characterized this milestone 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.”

Mackey acknowledged the progress as "all the more extraordinary" considering the NHS's challenges, including disruptions caused by repeated strikes from resident doctors.

However, healthcare experts cautioned that significant challenges remain before achieving the 92% target—an endeavor that has not been realized for over a decade. Tim Mitchell of the Royal College of Surgeons of England emphasized that although staff are exerting considerable effort, these efforts are compromised by a history of insufficient investment in necessary infrastructure, such as buildings and equipment.

He stated, “Too many teams are still working in ageing buildings with too few theatres and beds. Without addressing these constraints, progress for patients already waiting will remain fragile.”