We’re right on track,’ says Streeting as key target for hospital waiting times hit

We re right on track says – The government has achieved a key milestone in its efforts to reduce hospital waiting times in England. The interim goal was to ensure 65% of patients received treatment within 18 weeks by March 2026, and this target was reached, albeit narrowly, with the figure standing at 65.3%. This accomplishment is viewed as the first phase toward fulfilling the more ambitious 92% target by the end of the parliamentary term in 2029, a central promise of the Labour Party’s manifesto. The progress comes amid growing anticipation that Health Secretary Wes Streeting may soon initiate a leadership contest to become the next prime minister.

Streeting emphasized the significance of the milestone, highlighting the progress made since Labour took office. He stated:

“It means we are right on track to deliver the fastest reduction in waiting times in the history of the NHS.”

According to Streeting, the improvement is a result of government investment, modernization initiatives, and the relentless dedication of staff nationwide. He added:

“Lots done, lots more to do.”

Despite this positive step, the distribution of success across the NHS has been uneven. A significant portion of hospital trusts failed to meet their own specific benchmarks, with 40% not achieving the target and 10 trusts even witnessing a decline in performance.

The national waiting list for hospital appointments also showed a slight decrease, dropping from 7.2 million to 7.1 million in a single month—the lowest level since mid-2021. This marks a notable shift from the initial struggles when Labour first came to power, when the treatment rate was below 59%. NHS England’s chief executive, Sir Jim Mackey, praised the achievement, calling it a “huge moment.”

“Today’s achievement goes beyond a set of remarkable statistics—it shows that we’re making real inroads on the things that matter to our patients and communities.”

Mackey noted the progress is particularly impressive given the ongoing challenges the NHS has faced, including repeated strikes by resident doctors.

However, experts caution that this progress may not be sustainable without long-term investment. Tim Mitchell, representing the Royal College of Surgeons of England, pointed out that while staff are working at full capacity, their efforts are being hindered by years of underfunding.

“Too many teams are still working in ageing buildings with too few theatres and beds. Without addressing these constraints, progress for patients already waiting will remain fragile.”

Mitchell’s comments underscore the need for structural changes to support the current momentum.

Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of the King’s Fund, highlighted the role of additional funding in reaching the interim target. She noted that the government’s injection of resources since January allowed hospitals to intensify their focus on meeting the March 2026 deadline.

“It brings into question whether reaching the eventual 92% target by rinsing and repeating this sequence of ‘elective sprints’ is financially feasible or manageable for already stretched NHS staff.”

Woolnough also raised concerns about the narrow emphasis on the 18-week target, arguing that it obscures the fact that several other waiting lists continue to grow.

The 65.3% figure represents a critical benchmark, but its attainment has sparked debate about the methodology used to measure success. While the national rate has improved, the uneven performance across trusts suggests that systemic issues remain unaddressed. For instance, some regions may have seen better results due to localized efforts, while others lagged behind. This disparity highlights the challenges of implementing a unified strategy across the NHS’s vast and diverse network.

Analysts suggest that the focus on the 18-week target may have diverted attention from other pressing issues within the healthcare system. For example, long-term conditions and specialist care continue to face delays, which could impact the overall effectiveness of the reforms. Woolnough’s warning that the current approach might not be scalable points to the need for a broader vision that includes investment in infrastructure and staffing. “The government’s priority on this singular metric risks overlooking the complexities of patient care across different specialties and regions,” she argued.

Despite these challenges, the progress so far has been a source of optimism for some. Streeting’s remarks indicate confidence in the trajectory of the NHS, suggesting that the current path is likely to lead to the 92% target. However, this optimism must be tempered by the reality that the final goal has not been met in over a decade. The interim success may serve as a test case for the broader strategy, but its long-term viability depends on addressing the underlying constraints that have persisted for years.

The debate over the NHS’s reform strategy is likely to intensify as the government moves closer to its 2029 deadline. With the potential for a leadership change in the health sector, the focus will remain on whether the current approach can be maintained or if new initiatives are required to ensure consistent improvement. For now, the achievement of the 65% target is a significant step, but the road to 92% will require sustained effort, strategic planning, and adequate funding to overcome the challenges that still lie ahead.