General · 15 February 2026
NHS waiting list hits 7.29m, lowest since Feb 2023.
The number of people waiting for hospital treatment in England fell to 7.29 million at the end of December 2025. This figure represents the lowest volume of delayed procedures, such as hip replacements, recorded since February 2023. However, emergency departments faced record pressure, with over 71,500 patients waiting more than 12 hours for a bed in January. Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the improvement but warned that significant challenges remain for the health service.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs