Longest NHS waits down again

NHS England has announced further progress on reducing the backlog for elective waits.

The number of people waiting longest for elective treatment has dropped for the third month in a row, despite the busiest winter on record.

The number of people waiting more than 18 months for elective care dropped by a third between January and February to 30,000 (29,778), while the number of patients waiting more than one year dropped by 17,000 to 362,498.

Two million diagnostic tests were performed by staff in February - higher than the previous record in 2020 when 1.9 million (1,912,658) tests were carried out.

The NHS also hit the faster diagnosis standard for suspected cancer for the first time, with three quarters of those referred receiving a definitive diagnosis or all clear within 28 days.

The data also shows that this winter has been the busiest on record for A&E with 8.3 million (8,322,709) attendances over the last four months – 40,000 more than the previous record winter in 2018/19 (8,283,429).

NHS National Medical Director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “The last few months have been demanding for the NHS as record numbers of patients have come forward for care on top of hugely disruptive strike action.

“Today’s data shows demand on services is not relenting with A&E attendances and ambulance calls outs in March recorded at the highest level so far this year – even higher than a very busy January.

“But amidst the demand and industrial action, staff have progressed on key NHS priorities with the number of people waiting the longest for elective care continuing to reduce while for the first time ever the NHS has also hit the faster diagnosis standard for cancer – with more patients getting a definitive diagnosis or the all clear within 28 days.

“So while there is no let-up for services – and with almost 48 hours of strike action still to go – it remains as vital as ever that the public continue to come forward for care when they need it – using 999 in an emergency and using 111 online and making use of the expertise of pharmacies, GPs and community services for less urgent needs.”