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England's Hospital Wait Times Worsen Amid Backlog Plan

1/20/2026

48 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Nearly 25% of hospitals in England report worse waiting times since the government's backlog plan was announced a year ago.
Labour's pledge to meet the 18-week treatment target has not been achieved since 2015.
61.8% of patients are seen within 18 weeks, up from 59.2%, with local performance varying.
The government aims to hit the target by March 2029, with the waiting list at 7.31 million—the lowest since February 2023.

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Story summary

Nearly 25% of hospitals in England report worse waiting times since the government's backlog plan was announced a year ago.
Labour's pledge to meet the 18-week treatment target has not been achieved since 2015.
61.8% of patients are seen within 18 weeks, up from 59.2%, with local performance varying.
The government aims to hit the target by March 2029, with the waiting list at 7.31 million—the lowest since February 2023.