NHS hospital waiting lists reach highest level in nearly a year

The waiting list for hospital treatments in England has reached its highest level in nearly a year.

According to new NHS figures, an estimated 7.38 million treatments relating to 6.24 million patients were waiting to be carried out at the end of September.

This number is up slightly from 7.37 million treatments at the end of August and is the highest since the list reached 7.4 million treatments in October 2025.

The figure for patients is broadly unchanged month on month, but is also at a level that was previously seen in October 2025.

Long waits for hospital treatment also increased, with an estimated 116,353 people waiting more than a year to start routine treatment at the end of September, up from 113,339 at the end of August.

Some 1.6 per cent of people on the list for hospital treatment had been waiting more than 52 weeks in September, up month on month from 1.5 per cent.

The government and NHS England had set a target of March this year for the figure to be reduced to less than one per cent.

Meanwhile, an estimated 65.8 per cent of patients in September began hospital treatment within 18 weeks of referral, up from 65.2 per cent in August and above the target of 65 per cent that the government and NHS England had set for March of this year.

The next target is 70 per cent, which has been set for March 2027.

The government has also pledged that 92 per cent of patients in England will begin treatment within 18 weeks by the end of the current Parliament in 2029.

It comes after a report by the Institute for Government urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to abandon the “fantasyland” target and reduce it to 82 per cent.

Health Secretary Yvette Cooper warned pressures will increase as we head into winter.

She said: “This autumn has been the busiest ever for our NHS, with record numbers of people attending A&E and record numbers of elective appointments and treatments.

“Despite the relentless pressure, the NHS has delivered a record 30.6 million diagnostic tests, checks and scans over the last 12 months, and more people are being treated within 18 weeks than at the same time last year.

“I want to pay tribute to all the NHS staff whose commitment and hard work has made that possible.

“As we head into winter, those pressures will increase. That’s why we are bringing in a new £40 million GP programme to help frail, elderly people stay well at home and expanding the Pharmacy First scheme, so people can get care where they need it most.”