Key facts
- NHS waiting list in England reached 7.37 million treatments for 6.24 million patients at the end of August.
- This is the highest number of treatments waiting since October 2025.
- Over 113,000 people were waiting more than a year for routine treatment at the end of August.
- The NHS delivered a record 4.7 million planned treatments in June, July, and August.
- A&E performance saw 74.4% of patients seen within four hours in September, a decrease from August.
The waiting list for hospital treatment in England continues to rise, with an estimated 7.37 million treatments waiting to be carried out at the end of August, affecting 6.24 million patients. This figure represents the highest number since October 2025, when 7.40 million treatments were pending for 6.24 million patients.
Despite the growing backlog, the NHS delivered a record number of planned treatments, procedures, and appointments over the summer months, with 4.7 million occurring between June and August. However, long waits for routine treatment have also increased, with approximately 113,339 people waiting more than a year to start treatment at the end of August, up from 111,379 in July.
Emergency care performance has also seen a decline, with 74.4% of patients in England seen within four hours in A&E departments in September, a decrease from 75.0% in August. The number of patients experiencing waits of over 12 hours from the decision to admit to actual admission rose to 50,582 in September from 44,951 in August.
NHS officials are expressing concern about the "ominous" early signs of winter pressure building on the health service, citing an increase in patients presenting with flu and other respiratory viruses. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledged the summer pressures alongside winter concerns, commending staff for delivering record elective care while managing unprecedented A&E attendances and ambulance callouts. Both officials urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated against flu, RSV, and Covid-19 to protect themselves and alleviate pressure on the NHS.