NHS waiting list at its worst since 2025, new figures reveal, despite record levels of care

The waiting list for hospital treatment in England is at its worst since 2025, new figures show, despite record levels of care being delivered.

According to new NHS figures, an estimated 7.37 million treatments were waiting to be carried out at the end of August, relating to 6.24 million patients.

This is up from 7.33 million treatments and 6.21 million patients at the end of July.

The numbers are the highest since October 2025, when the list stood at 7.40 million treatments and 6.24 million patients.

At the end of August, there were also more people waiting over a year to start routine treatment, with an estimated 113,339 people recorded, up from 111,379 people at the end of July.

The government has pledged that 92% of patients in England will begin treatment within 18 weeks by the end of the current parliament in 2029.

Currently, around 65% are treated within this timeframe.

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NHS England said a record 4.7 million (4,738,824) planned treatments, procedures and appointments occurred across June, July and August - more than in any previous summer.

NHS national medical director professor Frankie Swords praised staff for their efforts, adding that now "the focus is on the looming winter months ahead".

She said: "NHS staff have done fantastic work to deliver record levels of elective care this summer and now supporting the busiest September on record for A&E attendances and ambulance incidents."

She added: "Staff are already seeing the ominous early signs of pressure, with more patients coming to A&E with flu and other respiratory viruses than usual for this time of year, and unfortunately many people are still waiting longer than we would like them to.

"This is why it's absolutely crucial to take up the offer of flu, RSV, Covid and other vaccinations if you're eligible, to protect yourself, your family and the public.

"We all have our part to play, so please don't wait for winter - come forward to your GP or pharmacy now and get protected."

Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "Our NHS is dealing with summer pressures now as well as winter pressures.

"So it is a huge tribute to doctors, nurses and staff across the NHS that alongside dealing with unprecedented levels of A&E attendances and ambulance callouts, they also managed to deliver record numbers of elective appointments, procedures and treatments."

She added that she would "encourage everyone who is eligible for the flu jab and other vaccines to get themselves protected against preventable illnesses, and help relieve the workload on the NHS too".

(c) Sky News 2026: NHS waiting list at its worst since 2025, new figures reveal, despite record levels of care