NHS Trusts Report Patient Waits Stalling Amid Millions Awaiting Treatment

NHS England data from March reveals that waiting lists for non-urgent elective operations or treatments remain high across multiple trusts, with only slight fluctuations month-to-month. Median waiting times at trusts including Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Wye Valley NHS Trust, Southern Health, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, and Royal United Hospitals Bath range from 5 to 20 weeks, with many trusts showing little to no improvement. Sarah Scobie, deputy director of research at the Nuffield Trust, noted that while the number of patients facing extremely long waits has decreased, overall progress in reducing waiting lists is stalling. Initiatives such as expanding advice and guidance in general practice are being looked to as potential solutions, especially as the government prepares its 10 Year Health Plan. Cancer treatment waiting times vary, with around two-thirds to three-quarters of urgent referrals beginning treatment within two months across the trusts. The NHS emphasizes its ongoing commitment to prioritizing patients and addressing the backlog, though challenges remain widespread.