NHS waiting list falls below 7 million for the first time in three years
Monthly figures show 6.9 million people waiting for treatment; the longest waits have fallen fastest, but A&E performance is still below target
The number of people waiting for hospital treatment in England fell below seven million in August for the first time since 2023, figures published on Thursday show.
The list stood at 6.9 million, down from a peak of 7.8 million. Waits of more than a year have fallen by two thirds over the same period.
The health secretary said the figures showed the recovery plan was working. Hospital leaders said the improvement was real but fragile, with winter approaching and accident and emergency departments still missing their four-hour target.
“We have made progress on the planned care that can be scheduled,” said one chief executive. “The emergency side is a different problem.”
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