Home / Health / NHS Waiting Lists Hit Lowest Since Early 2023
NHS Waiting Lists Hit Lowest Since Early 2023
15 Jan
Summary
- NHS waiting list is at its lowest since February 2023.
- November 2025 saw a significant monthly drop in waiting lists.
- Fewer patients are waiting over 18 months for routine treatment.
The NHS waiting list for hospital treatment has fallen to its lowest level since February 2023, with figures from NHS England showing an estimated 6.17 million patients waiting for planned treatments at the end of November 2025. This represents a decrease from 6.24 million patients in October 2025 and is the lowest figure recorded since early last year.
This positive development follows a period of record highs, with the list peaking in September 2023. Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted that waiting lists have decreased by over 312,000, with November 2025 seeing the second-largest monthly drop in 15 years. The government attributes this progress to record investment, modernization, and the hard work of NHS staff, including more evening and weekend appointments.
Furthermore, the number of patients waiting over 18 months for routine hospital treatment has decreased to an estimated 1,500 by the end of November 2025, down from 1,716 in October and significantly lower than the 2,054 recorded a year prior. Similarly, the number of patients waiting over 65 weeks has fallen substantially.
