NHS England is launching a financial incentive scheme to move patient care from hospitals into community services to help tackle waiting lists. The initiative includes new targets for cancer care and GP access as part of a service reset.

New data shows a decline in the NHS routine treatment backlog for the sixth consecutive month, alongside mixed results for emergency care and cancer targets.

New performance data reveals ongoing pressure on the NHS, with elective waiting lists increasing and emergency departments struggling to meet official goals. Analysts have also raised concerns regarding the methods used to report reductions in waiting lists.