Key Takeaways
- NHS waiting lists rise despite earlier progress, challenging government promises to ease the healthcare backlog.
- The number of people waiting over a year for treatment dropped slightly, signaling mixed performance.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting insists the system is getting better, but he admits it will take years to fully reverse the backlog.
- The lack of bold, obvious solutions in the draft 10-year NHS strategy has drawn criticism.
- Experts stress that ambitions must be matched with tangible investment and policy reform.
NHS Waiting Lists Rise Again: What It Means for Patients and Government Promises
Just when it seemed like England’s National Health Service (NHS) might finally be turning a corner on long patient queues, new data reveals a troubling uptick in waiting lists. For the first time in seven months, the total number of people awaiting routine hospital treatment has grown — from 7.40 million in February to 7.42 million in March 2025. That might seem like a modest rise, but it signals a deeper issue: the NHS waiting list crisis is far from over.
This development strikes at the heart of the Labour government’s healthcare reform promises, raising fresh questions about whether its targets are achievable — or even realistic.
A Critical Benchmark: Why March’s Numbers Matter
Until now, the number of people waiting for hospital appointments had been on a gradual decline. Back in August 2024, waiting lists peaked at 7.64 million, but consistent efforts seemed to push that figure downward month by month — until now.
So, what changed?
According to NHS officials, a seasonal surge between March and May typically causes temporary increases in demand. But the public and critics alike are less inclined to accept cyclical excuses. The uptick is more than a statistical anomaly — it’s a potential warning sign that the system is still straining under post-pandemic pressures, aging infrastructure, and staff shortages.
Government Response: Progress or Political Spin?
Health Secretary Wes Streeting was quick to respond to the new data. He made reference to the NHS’s situation under former Conservative administration when he stated, “Since day one, we’ve been clear that it will take time to reverse the disastrous waiting list we inherited.”
Streeting emphasized that, since July 2024, real progress has been achieved. Appointment slots have been ramped up, diagnostic pathways improved, and winter pressures handled more efficiently than in years past.
Yet, critics argue that citing past progress isn’t enough when fresh data points to stagnation. The political stakes are high, especially with the next general election looming and the NHS remaining a cornerstone of voter sentiment.
Long Waits Are Falling — But Is It Enough?
Amid the headline figure increase, there was a glimmer of good news: the number of people waiting over 52 weeks for treatment dropped from 194,000 in February to 180,000 in March. That’s a small but significant improvement, suggesting that efforts to cut the longest delays may be bearing fruit.
Still, this doesn’t offset the broader concern. For many patients, even a wait of several weeks can be painful — sometimes literally. And the clock is ticking on major interim goals.
Interim Targets in Jeopardy
The government has promised that by March 2026, 65% of patients will begin treatment or get the all-clear within 18 weeks of their diagnosis. Ultimately, by the end of this parliament, the Labour government aims to bring that figure to 92%, a standard not met since 2015.
With the current rise in waiting lists, those targets are now under intense scrutiny. Healthcare analysts and think tanks are questioning whether the infrastructure and workforce exist to meet such ambitious benchmarks.
NHS Long-Term Plan: A Draft With No Punch?
Behind the scenes, the Department of Health and Social Care is working on a new 10-year NHS strategy, expected to be unveiled this spring. But early drafts have drawn criticism for lacking compelling ideas or transformative policy changes.
“The government has the chance to set a clear direction for the health service,” said Francesca Cavallaro, a senior analytical manager at the Health Foundation. However, aspirations and objectives must be supported by funding, change, and a well-defined strategy in order to be realized.
This sentiment echoes across the healthcare industry. Staff, patients, and experts are unified in their call for action — not just policy papers.
Why Is the NHS Still Struggling?
Several compounding factors continue to bog down the NHS:
- Post-pandemic backlogs: COVID-19 forced the cancellation or postponement of millions of non-urgent procedures.
- Staff shortages: An aging workforce, Brexit-driven losses, and burnout have created record-level vacancies.
- Underinvestment: Many hospitals are working with outdated equipment, overburdened systems, and insufficient funding.
- Aging population: As Britons live longer, their healthcare needs become more complex and chronic.
The interplay of these issues makes quick fixes unlikely. What’s needed, according to experts, is sustained investment, digital transformation, and empowered frontline workers.
What Patients Are Saying
Real people are caught in the crossfire of policy and politics. Take 67-year-old Margaret Davies from Birmingham, who has been waiting eight months for a hip replacement.
“I used to walk my dog every day. Now I’m in pain just getting out of bed,” she says. “I don’t care which party’s in charge — I just want my life back.”
Stories like Margaret’s are repeated across the country, reinforcing the human cost of systemic delays.
Where Do We Go From Here?
The road ahead will require bold choices. Experts recommend several immediate and long-term actions:
- Expanding clinical staff through international recruitment and better pay packages.
- Investing in tech-enabled triaging to streamline patient flow.
- Making preventive care a priority will lessen the NHS’s future load.
- Engaging patients with clearer communication and expectations.
The NHS is at a critical crossroads — and so is the government that now carries the responsibility of its recovery.
Conclusion
The latest rise in NHS waiting lists is more than just a data point — it’s a stress test for the Labour government’s healthcare agenda. While small gains in reducing long-term waits offer hope, the broader picture remains uncertain. The next several months will be crucial because experts are not impressed by the draft 10-year NHS plan, and important targets are approaching. Success won’t come from slogans or spreadsheets — it will require real action, real investment, and a real commitment to the people who rely on the NHS every day.
