Streeting hails NHS progress as key hospital waiting time milestone met
Summary
The UK government has met a target to treat 65.3% of hospital patients within 18 weeks by March 2026, a goal set as a step toward reaching 92% by 2029. Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised the progress, citing government investment and staff efforts, though experts say more improvements are needed in NHS facilities.Key Facts
- The target was for 65% of patients to be treated within 18 weeks by March 2026; the actual figure reached 65.3%.
- This target is an interim step toward a 92% treatment goal by 2029.
- When the Labour government came to power, the figure was below 59%.
- The overall NHS hospital waiting list fell from 7.2 million to 7.1 million in one month.
- The achievement occurred despite challenges such as strikes by resident doctors.
- Experts warn that old buildings and limited hospital facilities could slow future progress.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the progress as the fastest reduction in waiting times in NHS history.
- NHS England CEO Sir Jim Mackey called the achievement a "huge moment" for patient care.
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