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NHS Makes Major Progress in Reducing Waiting Times and Improving Patient Care
In May, the list fell by nearly 30,000 to 7.36 million, with a record 1.5 million planned treatments completed - more per day than ever before. The number of diagnostic checks also reached an all-time high, rising 23% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Emergency services also saw record demand, with June marking the busiest month for A&E attendances since records began. Despite this, patient response times improved, and more patients were seen within the 4-hour target. Ambulance services responded more quickly, particularly for critical cases.
A key part of this progress is the expansion of the Advice and Guidance scheme, which enables GPs to consult specialists directly, helping patients avoid unnecessary hospital referrals. Over 99% of GP practices are now enrolled, potentially diverting up to 2 million patients away from hospital waiting lists this year.
Public satisfaction with GP services has also improved, reversing a pre-pandemic decline. To enhance transparency, a new performance dashboard will show key metrics by NHS trust.
Health leaders credit hardworking NHS staff and targeted reforms, including the government’s Elective Care Recovery Plan and a £26 billion investment. These changes aim to shift more care into local communities and use digital tools to speed up diagnosis and treatment.
Officials warn that further progress depends on avoiding disruption from strikes, while encouraging continued cooperation between NHS staff and government.
Read the original article HERE
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