Story perspectives

Children's Community Care Waits Surge 58% Since 2022

10/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

Nuffield Trust reports a 58% rise in children waiting for community care since 2022, now 326,000.
More than half wait for community paediatric services, with 21% awaiting speech and language therapy.
Regional disparities exist, with some providers reporting zero long waits and University Hospitals Dorset showing 90% waiting more than 18 weeks.
Experts call for a national waiting time target and resource shift to improve community care, urging government action.

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Story summary

Nuffield Trust reports a 58% rise in children waiting for community care since 2022, now 326,000.
More than half wait for community paediatric services, with 21% awaiting speech and language therapy.
Regional disparities exist, with some providers reporting zero long waits and University Hospitals Dorset showing 90% waiting more than 18 weeks.
Experts call for a national waiting time target and resource shift to improve community care, urging government action.