Jul 10, 2025, 10:31 AM
Jul 7, 2025, 8:20 PM

NHS waiting list sees drop but doctor strikes threaten recovery

Tragic
Highlights
  • The NHS waiting list in England decreased to 7.36 million treatments by May 2025, the lowest in two years.
  • The drop in waiting lists is attributed to government efforts and collaboration among NHS staff.
  • Health leaders warn that a return to strikes by doctors could hinder progress and affect patient care.
Story

In May 2025, the NHS waiting list for England reached 7.36 million treatments, marking its lowest level in two years. This reduction reflects a decline from 7.39 million treatments at the end of April, as reported by NHS figures. Health Secretary Wes Streeting attributed this improvement to government efforts to enhance the NHS services, emphasizing that while progress has been made, the recovery remains fragile. He called on the British Medical Association (BMA) to work collaboratively with the government rather than resorting to strikes. Experts have expressed concern that a potential resumption of doctors' strikes could reverse these gains, as previous strikes, particularly those by resident doctors that occurred throughout 2023 and into early 2024, had significant impacts on patient care. The BMA pointed out that strikes were a response to demanding work conditions and dissatisfaction regarding remuneration. This context emphasizes the tenuousness of the current NHS situation as doctors weigh their options for future actions that could directly affect patient waiting times. Looking ahead, the NHS aims to meet ambitious targets for treatment timeliness, intending to have 92% of patients seen within 18 weeks by March 2029. However, as indicated in recent statements from health leaders, achieving these goals will become increasingly challenging if more industrial action takes place. The striking doctors had previously reached a pay agreement that granted them a raise of 22.3% spread over two years, but the ongoing tensions suggest that further negotiations may be necessary to stabilize the workforce and assure uninterrupted patient care. On a parallel note, the NHS faces challenges with its cancer treatment processes. Recent statistics revealed a decrease in the percentage of patients successfully diagnosed or ruled out for cancer within the targeted timeframe. The government aims to improve this figure to reach 80% by March 2026, but continual disruptions could undermine these initiatives. As the NHS continues to navigate through staff shortages, increased demand, and the threat of strikes, the focus must remain on optimizing service and ensuring patient safety as both a priority and necessity in the midst of continuous challenges.

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