New data shows a significant milestone for the National Health Service, with the number of people waiting for hospital treatment in England falling to its lowest level in nearly two years.
Substantial Drop in Backlog
According to the latest statistics, the overall NHS waiting list for routine treatment now stands at its smallest size since February 2023. The total number of treatments waiting to be carried out was recorded at 7.22 million at the end of November 2025. This marks a notable decline from the record peak of 7.77 million treatments and 6.50 million patients seen in September 2023 under the previous Conservative administration.
The figures for the end of October 2025 showed 7.40 million treatments and 6.24 million patients, indicating a continued downward trend. Health Secretary Wes Streeting hailed the progress, stating the government is turning promises into tangible change for patients after years of stagnation.
Progress on Long Waits and Government Action
The data, released on Thursday, also reveals encouraging reductions in the longest waits. An estimated 1,500 patients in England had been waiting more than 18 months to start routine hospital treatment at the end of November 2025. This is down from 1,716 in October and a significant fall from the 2,054 recorded in November 2024.
Similarly, the number of people waiting more than 65 weeks fell to 9,521, a sharp decrease from 12,542 the previous month and nearly half the figure from November 2024, which stood at 16,834.
"Waiting lists are down by more than 312,000 and more patients are being treated within 18 weeks," said Mr Streeting. "November saw the second biggest monthly drop in waiting lists in 15 years. That means faster care, less anxiety for families and people back on their feet and back to work."
Challenges Remain Amid Modernisation Drive
The Health Secretary attributed the improvement to record investment and modernisation, coupled with the hard work of NHS staff. He outlined key strategies including more evening and weekend appointments, diagnostic tests provided closer to patients' homes, dedicated surgical hubs to tackle backlogs, and smarter use of technology.
However, he also struck a note of caution, acknowledging that winter pressures on the health service remain high and emphasising there is "far more to do." The government has pledged to continue supporting NHS staff to ensure patients receive the care they need in a timely manner.
This sustained drop offers a glimmer of hope for the millions awaiting treatment, suggesting the concerted efforts to address the post-pandemic backlog are beginning to yield measurable results.
