NHS Hospital Waiting Times
Every NHS hospital in England has been ordered to reduce patient waiting times for scheduled treatments as the Government made reaching the 18-week target one of its key priorities for this Parliament.
Targets and Goals
By March 2026, the Government wants to see at least 65% of patients waiting no longer than 18 weeks. To get there, every NHS trust must either reach 60% or improve their November 2024 figures by five percentage points – whichever is higher. This is just a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal of reaching 92% by July 2029.
Checking Progress
You can use your postcode to find out whether waiting lists are getting better in your area.
Data Analysis
BBC Verify’s analysis covered NHS trusts in England where at least 5,000 people were waiting for elective treatment in November 2024. Targets in other countries are different, and the interim targets set by the UK government for next March do not apply.
Comparison with Other Countries
While in Scotland, the aim is for 90% of patients to be treated within 18 weeks of referral, in Wales, the target is for 95% of patients to wait less than 26 weeks. In Northern Ireland, 55% of patients should wait no longer than 13 weeks for outpatient or inpatient treatment.
About the Data
BBC Verify’s analysis included NHS trusts in England that had at least 5,000 people waiting for elective treatment in November 2024. Targets in other nations are different, and the interim targets for next March set by the UK government do not apply.
Waiting Time Targets in Other Nations
While Scotland aims for 90% of patients to be treated within 18 weeks of referral, in Wales, the target is for 95% of patients to wait less than 26 weeks. In Northern Ireland, 55% of patients should wait no longer than 13 weeks for day case or inpatient treatment.
