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UK Sets NHS Waiting Time Targets for 2026

4/17/2026

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Story summary
  • The UK government mandates England’s National Health Service (NHS) hospitals to improve waiting times for planned treatments, aiming for 65% within 18 weeks by March 2026, with waiting lists data due in May.
  • Each NHS trust must meet the target or lift its November 2024 figure by five percentage points.
  • Wales aims for 95% within 26 weeks.
  • Northern Ireland targets 55% within 13 weeks.
  • Scotland targets 90% within 18 weeks.