As of the end of April, England's NHS waiting list has dropped to its lowest level for two years, decreasing to 7.39 million from March's 7.42 million. Though this marks a downward trend, the NHS has consistently failed to meet its target of 92% of patients treated in 18 weeks, with the current rate below 60%. The government plans to address this with above-inflation budget increases and strategic reforms. Health Secretary Wes Streeting noted these measures signal the beginning of a recovery plan. NHS staff are credited for the improvements amid ongoing service pressures.
The drop in the numbers on the waiting list, which covers people waiting for routine treatments like hip and knee operations, came after March saw a rise in numbers.
The government has made meeting the target one of its key missions for this parliament and announced above-inflation rises for the NHS.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'We are putting the NHS on the road to recovery.' This is 'just the start' as extra investments are introduced.
Meghana Pandit of NHS England emphasized that progress is thanks to NHS staff, stating that 'we are determined to continue on this trajectory for patients' despite ongoing pressure.
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