NHS Delivers 2 Million Extra Appointments, £40 Million Fund Established

The NHS has reported delivering almost 2.2 million extra elective care appointments between July and November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, marking a significant milestone for the government. This achievement, reached seven months ahead of schedule, comes as part of a broader initiative to address the NHS backlog and improve patient care. The waiting list has decreased by nearly 160,000 since the government's inception, supported by added funding and increased staff hours. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the results as evidence of progress in fixing the NHS and ensuring timely care for patients. However, NHS leaders caution that further efforts are needed to maintain momentum and tackle ongoing challenges. Overall, the data reflects a concerted effort to enhance healthcare accessibility and reduce waiting times across the board.