Streeting hails NHS progress as key hospital waiting time milestone met

"The goal was for 65% of patients to be treated within 18 weeks by March 2026 and it hit that, but only just, with the figure reaching 65.3%. It was seen as the first stepping stone to hitting the 92% target by the end of the Parliament in 2029 a key manifesto pledge of Labour's."

"Streeting hailed the achievement performance was below 59% when Labour came to power. He said: "It means we are right on track to deliver the fastest reduction in waiting times in the history of the NHS. "That is thanks to the government's investment, modernisation, and the remarkable efforts of staff right across the country. "Lots done, lots more to do.""

"The overall waiting list also improved, falling from 7.2 million to 7.1 million in the space of a month - the lowest for three and a half years. NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey described it as a "huge moment". "Today's achievement goes beyond a set of remarkable statistics it shows that we're making real inroads on the things that matter to our patients and communities.""

"Experts warned there was still a long way to go before the target of 92% was hit something that has not been done for more than a decade. Tim Mitchell, of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said while staff were working flat out, their efforts were being undermined by long-standing under-investment in buildings and equipment. "Too many teams are still working in ageing buildings with too few theatres and beds. Without addressing these constraints, progres"

The government met an interim hospital-treatment target in England by reaching 65.3% of patients treated within 18 weeks by March 2026. The result was narrowly above the 65% threshold and is intended as a step toward a 92% target by the end of Parliament in 2029. The overall waiting list improved, falling from 7.2 million to 7.1 million in one month, the lowest level for three and a half years. Health Secretary Wes Streeting credited investment, modernisation, and staff efforts, while NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey called it a “huge moment.” Experts warned that long-standing under-investment in buildings and equipment could limit progress toward the 92% target.

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