RCS England response to latest NHS waiting times data

The latest NHS consultant-led referral-to-treatment data shows that the total waiting list increased by 6,002 in October 2025, reaching 7.3 million. 

Analysis reveals the percentage of patients who began treatment within 18 weeks slightly decreased to 61.7%, indicating minimal progress has been made towards achieving the interim target of 65% of patients starting treatment within 18 weeks by March 2026. 170,759 patient pathways were waiting longer than 52 weeks.  

The figures released this morning underline the urgent and ongoing need for increased investment in NHS infrastructure, including estates and equipment. 

Professor Vivien Lees, Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: 

“Surgeons want to be operating, cutting waiting times, and helping meet the government’s 18-week pledge. However, ageing infrastructure, archaic IT systems and staff shortages are preventing this from happening effectively.  

“Without urgent investment to modernise buildings, upgrade IT and tackle workforce shortages, the government’s waiting time targets will remain out of reach.” 

ENDS 

 Notes to editors:

1. NHS England’s latest consultant-led referral-to-treatment waiting times data is available here: Statistics » Consultant-led Referral to Treatment Waiting Times Data 2025-26
2. The total waiting list stood at 7,304,189 in October 2025.
3. The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams at all stages of their careers. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research, and championing the best outcomes for patients.
4. For more information, please contact the press office: telephone: 020 7869 6053/6054/6060; email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056.