NHS waiting list climbs to 7.41 million for third month running

At the end of August 2024 the hospital waiting list in England rose to 7.41 million treatments – a slight increase on the 7.40 million recorded a month earlier. It is the third consecutive month the backlog has grown, pushing the NHS further from its pledged 18‑week target and raising fresh alarms about the winter ahead.

What the latest figures show

• 7.41 million treatments waiting, affecting 6.26 million patients (up from 6.25 million a month earlier).
• Record peak in September 2023: 7.77 million treatments for 6.50 million patients.
• Patients waiting over 52 weeks: 191,493 (down from 191,648); this is 2.6 per cent of the list, unchanged from July.
• Patients waiting over 18 months: 1,416 (down from 1,429).
• Patients waiting more than 65 weeks: 12,805 (up from 11,950).
• A&E performance: 75.0 per cent seen within four hours (down from 75.9 per cent); “corridor care” (waiting >12 hours) rose to 44,765.
• Urgent cancer referrals in August: 264,388 (down from 305,164 in July); 74.6 per cent diagnosed within 28 days, below the 75 per cent target.

Government’s response

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock defended the service, pointing to a “record‑breaking” summer of tests and checks.

Media additions

“We know there’s more to do – that’s why we’re pressing ahead with new surgical hubs, evening and weekend scans, and cutting‑edge technology to get millions more patients treated on time.”

Stephen Kinnock, Health Minister, via iNews

The government repeats its ambition to hit the 18‑week target – 92 per cent of patients seen within that window – by the end of the current parliament, a benchmark not achieved for a decade.

Expert warnings

Across the coverage pack, leading clinicians warn that the trend could crystallise into a “very tough” winter.

“The government must face facts: without urgent investment in NHS infrastructure and support for staff wellbeing, progress on reducing waiting times will remain slow. Surgeons are ready to do more but are held back by critical resource issues - a lack of operating time, staff vacancies and equipment. Patients deserve better.”

Prof Peter Friend, Royal College of Surgeons of England, via BBC

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, highlighted the summer’s “record‑breaking” performance but cautioned about winter demand.

“NHS staff made history this summer, delivering record-breaking levels of care for this time of year. With A&E and ambulance demand already higher than last year, staff are gearing up for a tough-looking winter.”

Prof Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, via BBC

The Royal College of Nursing’s chief executive called the figures “incredibly alarming”.

“Even before the cold weather hits, the number of people experiencing long, tortuous waits in A&E are skyrocketing. All signs are pointing to a corridor care disaster this winter and ministers must now take urgent steps to keep patients safe.”

Prof Nicola Ranger, Royal College of Nursing, via Independent

A Royal College of Physicians survey found only one in ten doctors confident their hospitals can manage safely this winter, with 51 per cent aware of temporary‑bed plans and 39 per cent unaware.

“It’s concerning to see our physician members tell us that they are not confident their hospitals can safely manage the pressures of the coming winter.”

Dr Hilary Williams, clinical vice president, Royal College of Physicians, via Standard

Analysis of the trajectory

Health Foundation analysts warn that, even if current referral and removal rates continue, the government will fall short of its 92 per cent 18‑week pledge.

“If referrals and removals continue growing at the same pace, the Government would make significant progress in reducing waiting times – but would fall just short of delivering on its headline pledge.”

Dr Francesca Cavallaro, Health Foundation, via BBC

Summer’s paradox – record output amid growing backlog

Officials highlighted that, despite the rising list, summer activity hit historic levels.

• 4.60 million elective cases managed between June and August (up 138,000 on the previous year).
• 210,946 additional cases joined the waiting list in the same period.
• Almost 7.5 million tests and checks delivered.
• 654,640 cancer diagnoses or rule‑outs achieved within the 28‑day target.

These achievements came after a five‑day resident‑doctor strike (25–30 July) that postponed 54,095 appointments.

What to watch next

• March 2026 targets: reduce >52‑week waits to under 1 per cent; raise 18‑week compliance to 92 per cent; achieve 78 per cent A&E four‑hour standard.
• Winter pressures: rising A&E attendances, corridor‑care figures climbing, and the RCP’s confidence shortfall.
• GP funding review: a new formula launched to address regional inequalities – outcomes expected early 2026.

All eyes now turn to whether the £29‑billion cash injection and the government’s “Plan for Change” can translate into a tangible turn‑around before winter tightens the squeeze on an already stretched NHS.