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NHS waiting lists rise as senior leaders warn of early winter pressures
Overview
Senior health leaders in England have warned of ominous early winter pressures on the NHS as routine hospital waiting lists rose for the second consecutive month, reaching an estimated 7.37 million treatments at the end of August. Despite record levels of elective care delivered over the summer, A&E and ambulance services experienced their busiest September on record, driven by high demand for care and rising numbers of patients presenting with flu and respiratory viruses.
Key points
- The waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England rose to an estimated 7.37 million treatments at the end of August.
- Senior health leaders warned of early winter pressures, noting an increase in patients arriving at A&E with flu and respiratory viruses.
- The NHS in England experienced its busiest September on record for A&E and ambulance services.
- The number of patients waiting more than 12 hours in A&E departments from a decision to admit reached 50,582 in September.
- Think-tanks and health leaders have raised concerns over whether the government will meet its target of treating 92% of patients within 18 weeks by 2029.