NHS leaders are cautioning that the government’s ambition to reduce NHS waiting times to 18 weeks will remain out of reach unless there is significant investment in primary care, children’s services, and mental health.
The stark warning from healthcare chiefs highlights what they describe as a “fundamental mismatch” between rising demand for NHS services and the health system’s current capacity.
One trust leader, whose organisation provides community and mental health services, voiced serious concern over extended waiting lists for children’s healthcare, saying the system is “letting children down.”
They described the situation as “really disappointing,” noting an “enormous” backlog in services affecting young patients.
“It’s distressing to see children largely ignored in policy terms,” they added. “Waiting lists are vast and continue to expand, exposing a fundamental gap between what is needed and what is available.”
These warnings come as the Labour government renews its pledge to reinstate the 18-week target for 92 per cent of patients within the next five years, a goal initially introduced under Tony Blair’s administration and last achieved in February 2016.
In support of this target, the government has committed to providing an additional two million NHS appointments annually.
However, the current situation underscores the challenges of reaching this goal. NHS England’s waiting list now stands at a staggering 7.6 million, with over 282,000 individuals waiting more than a year to begin routine hospital treatment as of August.
A recent poll of NHS trust leaders found that nearly three-quarters (71 per cent) — and all leaders from acute specialist and ambulance trusts — doubt the NHS can meet the 18-week goal within the next five years.
One NHS trust leader remarked: “The government’s primary focus is on achieving the 18-week target, which is among the hardest standards to reach. With seven million people on the waiting list, for every patient we help, new cases continue to add to the backlog.”
The government’s ambitious target, though welcomed in principle, will likely demand comprehensive policy adjustments and increased funding to address the strain on NHS resources.
