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FF20 Cuts Waiting Lists 4.2%, But 7.4 Million Remain

1/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Further Faster 20 (FF20) program reduced waiting lists by 4.2% from Oct 2024 to Oct 2025, vs 1.4% nationally.
Waiting lists in high-unemployment areas fell three times faster than the national average, per Department of Health and Social Care.
Secretary Wes Streeting credited FF20 with improving patient care.
Despite progress, waiting lists stay at 7.4 million, and Siva Anandaciva of The King's Fund warns of health and economic challenges.

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Story summary

The Further Faster 20 (FF20) program reduced waiting lists by 4.2% from Oct 2024 to Oct 2025, vs 1.4% nationally.
Waiting lists in high-unemployment areas fell three times faster than the national average, per Department of Health and Social Care.
Secretary Wes Streeting credited FF20 with improving patient care.
Despite progress, waiting lists stay at 7.4 million, and Siva Anandaciva of The King's Fund warns of health and economic challenges.