Streeting hails NHS progress as key hospital waiting time milestone met

The government has hit an interim target for speeding up hospital treatment in England.

The goal was for 65% of patients to be treated within 18 weeks by March 2026 – and it hit that, but only just, with the figure reaching 65.3%.

It was seen as the first stepping stone to hitting the 92% target by the end of the Parliament in 2029 – a key manifesto pledge of Labour's.

The news comes amid mounting speculation Health Secretary Wes Streeting is to launch a leadership challenge to become the next prime minister.

Streeting hailed the achievement – performance was below 59% when Labour came to power.

He said: "It means we are right on track to deliver the fastest reduction in waiting times in the history of the NHS.

"That is thanks to the government's investment, modernisation, and the remarkable efforts of staff right across the country.

"Lots done, lots more to do."

The overall waiting list also improved, falling from 7.2 million to 7.1 million in the space of a month - the lowest for three and a half years.

NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey described it as a "huge moment".

"Today's achievement goes beyond a set of remarkable statistics – it shows that we're making real inroads on the things that matter to our patients and communities."

He said the progress was "all the more extraordinary" given the NHS has had to cope with repeated strike action by resident doctors.

But experts warned there was still a long way to go before the target of 92% was hit – something that has not been done for more than a decade.

Tim Mitchell, of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said while staff were working flat out, their efforts were being undermined by long-standing under-investment in buildings and equipment.

"Too many teams are still working in ageing buildings with too few theatres and beds. Without addressing these constraints, progress for patients already waiting will remain fragile."