Story perspectives

NHS Waiting Times Surge Amid Pay Disputes and Strikes

9/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sir Jim Mackey, NHS chief executive, noted that current activity levels are inadequate to lower waiting times.
Contributing factors include industrial action, seasonal trends, and pay decisions.
Resident doctors, represented by the BMA, seek a 29% pay increase but have not announced new strike dates.
NHS England reported 1,429 patients waiting over 18 months for routine treatment, up from 1,103 in June.
July recorded a high in cancer referrals, with 76.6% diagnosed or cleared within 28 days, exceeding the 75% target.

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Story summary

Sir Jim Mackey, NHS chief executive, noted that current activity levels are inadequate to lower waiting times.
Contributing factors include industrial action, seasonal trends, and pay decisions.
Resident doctors, represented by the BMA, seek a 29% pay increase but have not announced new strike dates.
NHS England reported 1,429 patients waiting over 18 months for routine treatment, up from 1,103 in June.
July recorded a high in cancer referrals, with 76.6% diagnosed or cleared within 28 days, exceeding the 75% target.