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. »
