NHS Waiting Lists Decline for First Time in 15 Years

As of November 13, 2025, the waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England has fallen slightly, marking a positive turn for the National Health Service (NHS). According to the latest figures, the overall waiting list for planned treatment, which had risen in June, July, and August, decreased in September.

At the end of September, an estimated 7.39 million treatments were waiting to be carried out, relating to 6.24 million patients, down from 7.41 million treatments and 6.25 million patients at the end of August. This comes after the list hit a record high in September 2023, with 7.77 million treatments and 6.50 million patients.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting hailed the fall in waiting lists, stating that the "past year is the first time in 15 years that waiting lists have fallen." He credited the government's investment and modernization efforts, saying the NHS is "now on the road to recovery." However, the health service faces significant challenges this winter, including a surge in flu cases and upcoming industrial action by resident doctors.

Professor Meghana Pandit, the NHS national medical director, acknowledged the positive news on waiting lists but warned that "NHS staff will be approaching their limits this winter." Flu is peaking early and expected to be long-lasting, while the busiest October on record for A&E departments will be followed by a five-day strike by resident doctors starting on November 17.