Overview

• At least eight integrated care boards covering over ten million patients have introduced minimum waits of 12–18 weeks for procedures such as hip replacements and cataract surgery.
• The measures originate from updated NHS England guidance allowing commissioners to set minimum waiting times in annual activity plans, a power backed by chief executive Sir Jim Mackey in April.
• NHS officials describe the policies as a tool to reduce treatment volumes and curb hospital payments to tackle a so-called "addiction to deficits."
• Clinical leaders, including the Royal College of Surgeons, warn the enforced delays risk distorting treatment priorities and leaving patients in unnecessary pain and anxiety.
• NHS England insists no formal minimum-wait policy exists and will finalise its ten-year reform strategy this summer, targeting 92% of routine care within 18 weeks.