'Ominous signs' of winter pressures as NHS waiting list grows
Summary
The NHS in England is facing increasing pressure as the waiting list for hospital treatments has grown to 7.37 million patients, the highest since 2025. Despite record levels of care over the summer, emergency services are seeing more patients with flu and other illnesses, causing longer wait times and concern about meeting government targets.Key Facts
- The waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England rose for the second month in a row to 7.37 million at the end of August.
- This waiting list involves 6.24 million patients and is the highest since October 2025.
- The NHS delivered 4.7 million planned treatments and appointments over the summer, a record number.
- Emergency departments (A&Es) and ambulance services saw record patient numbers in September.
- Only 74.4% of patients were seen within four hours in A&E departments in September, down from 75% in August.
- Over 50,000 patients waited more than 12 hours in emergency departments from the decision to admit to actual admission, a 13% increase from last year.
- The government target is to treat 92% of patients within 18 weeks by 2029, but progress toward this goal is slowing.
- Health experts warn that rising demand and winter illnesses are increasing pressure on NHS staff and services.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
