Overview
- Labour's manifesto promise of two million extra NHS appointments per year was met seven months ahead of schedule, with 2.2 million additional elective care appointments recorded between July and November 2024.
- The increase was attributed to extra weekend and evening shifts by NHS staff, the resolution of strikes, and £1.8 billion in funding for elective care since Labour took office.
- Overall NHS waiting lists have fallen for four consecutive months, with 7.46 million treatments pending as of December 2024, down from a peak of 7.7 million in September 2023.
- Despite progress, significant challenges remain, including long A&E wait times, social care bottlenecks, and the need for further reforms to sustain improvements.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting outlined next steps, including new surgical hubs, expanded diagnostic services, and increased use of private sector capacity to reduce waiting times further.