The number of children waiting for treatment under NHS community services waiting lists has risen sharply, with more than 40,000 additional young patients now awaiting specialist support since the current government came to power, according to newly released figures.
Data shows that 323,826 children in England are currently waiting for community health services, marking an increase of more than 14% compared with figures recorded before the change in government in July 2024.
The rise in NHS community services waiting lists has sparked criticism from opposition politicians, who argue the figures contradict government claims that healthcare delivery is being shifted away from hospitals and into community-based care.
Community services include a wide range of support for children, including developmental assessments, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and care for neurological conditions.
Children waiting for specialist care increases significantly
The data indicates a substantial increase in the number of young patients waiting for treatment.
In June 2024, shortly before the change in government, 283,369 children were waiting for community healthcare services.
By December 2025, that number had climbed to 323,826 children, representing an increase of 40,457 patients.
These services play an important role in early intervention for children with health and developmental needs.
Many of the programmes support babies and children experiencing developmental delays, neurodisabilities, or speech and language difficulties.
Healthcare professionals say delays in accessing such services can have long-term impacts on children’s development and wellbeing.
Opposition criticises rise in waiting lists
The increase in NHS community services waiting lists has become a political flashpoint.
Shadow Health Secretary Stuart Andrew criticised the government, arguing that the figures show a gap between policy promises and current outcomes.
“Labour made big promises in opposition, but are now finding the reality of office is much harder,” he said.
He said the rise in waiting lists undermines claims that the health system is moving toward greater reliance on community-based treatment.
“Despite repeated claims to be prioritising a shift from hospital to community, we are seeing more people waiting for community health services, with children being worst affected,” Andrew added.
Community services central to NHS reform plans
The government has repeatedly emphasised the importance of expanding community healthcare services.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has outlined a strategy based on three major structural changes to the NHS.
These reforms aim to move healthcare delivery from hospital to community settings, increase the use of digital technology, and focus more strongly on prevention rather than treatment.
In November 2024, Streeting described these priorities as the foundation of a long-term transformation plan for the health service.
“By now you will be familiar with the three big shifts that will underpin our 10-year plan for health: from hospital to community; from analogue to digital; from sickness to prevention,” he said at the time.
The strategy aims to reduce pressure on hospitals by expanding local care services that can treat patients earlier and closer to home.
Adult waiting lists also increasing
The rise in NHS community services waiting lists has not been limited to children’s services.
Figures show that adult community healthcare waiting lists have also increased during the same period.
Adult services include treatment and support for conditions such as diabetes, heart failure and motor neurone disease, along with therapies such as physiotherapy, podiatry and occupational therapy.
According to the data, adult waiting lists increased from 783,621 to 824,131 between June 2024 and December 2025.
This represents an increase of 40,510 patients, or approximately 5.2%.
Healthcare analysts say the figures highlight ongoing pressures on community services across the NHS.
Government says reforms will take time
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the challenges facing community services but said reforms will take time to deliver results.
A spokesperson said the government remains committed to modernising the health service and strengthening community care.
“We are reforming the health service to shift its focus from hospital to community,” the spokesperson said.
“It will take time to fix after more than a decade of decline, but we have a plan to modernise the NHS.”
Officials argue that long-standing workforce shortages and funding pressures have contributed to existing waiting lists.
Importance of community healthcare services
Community healthcare services form a critical part of the NHS system.
Unlike hospital care, these services are delivered in local settings such as clinics, schools and patients’ homes.
They provide early treatment and ongoing support for people with chronic conditions, disabilities and developmental challenges.
For children, access to services such as speech therapy and physiotherapy can play a crucial role in improving long-term health outcomes.
However, growing NHS community services waiting lists suggest that demand for these services continues to outpace available resources.
NHS waiting lists remain major challenge
The NHS has been facing significant waiting list pressures in recent years across multiple areas of healthcare.
While attention has often focused on hospital waiting lists for surgery and specialist treatment, community healthcare services have also experienced rising demand.
Population growth, an ageing society and increasing rates of chronic illness have all contributed to the strain on services.
The government’s long-term health reform strategy aims to address these challenges by expanding local healthcare services and improving early intervention.
However, the increase in NHS community services waiting lists indicates that the transition toward community-based care may take time to fully achieve.