Sir Keir Starmer has celebrated a significant milestone in Labour’s efforts to transform the NHS, as new figures reveal that nearly 2.2 million additional elective care appointments were delivered between July and November 2024 compared to the same period the previous year. This achievement marks a major step forward in Labour’s commitment to addressing long-standing challenges within the NHS, which has been a top priority for the government since taking office. The extra appointments include critical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy, and diagnostic tests, made possible in part by NHS staff working extra shifts during weekends and evenings. The government also highlighted the role of ending NHS strikes, increasing flu vaccinations, and investing £1.8 billion into elective appointments as key factors contributing to this success.
The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of this progress, stating, “Two million extra NHS appointments and a waiting list on its way down—we’re delivering on our promise to fix the NHS and make sure people get the care they need, when they need it.” He added, “We said we’d turn this around, and that’s exactly what we’re doing—this milestone is a shot in the arm for our plan to get the NHS back on its feet and cut waiting times.” This achievement not only reflects Labour’s commitment to improving healthcare but also addresses a critical issue that was a major concern for voters during the general election campaign, with the NHS being the second most important issue after the economy.
Labour has also made strides in reducing hospital backlogs, aiming to meet the NHS standard of 92% of patients in England waiting no longer than 18 weeks for elective treatment. Recent figures show that the number of people waiting 18 weeks or more for elective care has begun to decline, and the number of those waiting more than a year has also decreased. By the end of December, the total number of people waiting for treatment in England stood at approximately 7.46 million, down slightly from 7.48 million in November. These improvements are a direct result of Labour’s manifesto commitment to deliver two million additional appointments annually—a target that was met seven months ahead of schedule.
Despite these successes, significant challenges remain in other areas of the NHS. For instance, the number of patients waiting for 12 hours or more in Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments after a decision to admit them—often referred to as “trolley waits”—reached a record high of over 60,000 in January. This figure, which accounts for more than 15% of all patients admitted via A&E, is the highest ever recorded and surpasses the total number of such waits recorded over the previous 11 years. Health experts have pointed out that these delays are often indicative of a lack of available hospital beds, a problem that has worsened since the pandemic. Additionally, health anxiety rather than medical emergencies is increasingly contributing to overcrowding in A&E departments, further straining the system.
Another pressing issue is the state of social care, where a lack of availability often prevents medically fit patients from being discharged from hospitals, adding to the pressure on NHS resources. Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done, stating, “We’re not complacent, and we know the job isn’t done.” Addressing these challenges will be crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the NHS.
Looking ahead, Health Secretary Wes Streeting outlined the next steps in Labour’s Plan for Change, which includes opening new surgical hubs, expanding community diagnostics centers to operate during evenings and weekends, and utilizing private sector capacity to reduce waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks. The government has also announced a £40 million funding pot for NHS trusts that demonstrate the most significant improvements, which will be available starting next year to support capital projects such as estate repairs and the adoption of new technologies like AI scanners. These measures aim to build on the momentum already achieved and ensure that the NHS continues on the path to recovery.
In summary, while the NHS still faces significant challenges, particularly in A&E departments and social care, the additional two million appointments and the gradual reduction in waiting lists represent a positive shift in the right direction. Labour’s efforts to end strikes, invest in the NHS, and introduce innovative solutions have laid a strong foundation for further progress. As the government continues to implement its Plan for Change, the focus will remain on reducing waiting times, improving patient care, and restoring the NHS to its former strength.
