NHS waiting lists decrease but long-term waits and cancer treatment delays persist

Despite a slight reduction in overall NHS waiting lists, the number of patients waiting over 18 months for treatment has increased, alongside missed cancer referral targets.

• NHS England reports a fourth consecutive month of reduced waiting lists, now at 7.58 million treatments.
• The number of patients waiting more than 18 months for treatment rose to 14,013, defying targets to eliminate such long waits.
• Cancer treatment waiting times remain below the targeted standards, with urgent referral rates and first definitive treatment delays noted.
• Ambulance response times and A&E waits show slight improvement, but still miss set targets.
• Experts and charities call for a comprehensive long-term cancer strategy and improvements in NHS performance.

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