Surgeons: modernising NHS infrastructure must be priority in Autumn Budget

The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) has renewed its calls for capital investment in NHS infrastructure, particularly operating theatres, as waiting list data is published today.

The latest NHS consultant-led referral to treatment waiting times data shows the total waiting list increased in July 2025, reaching 7.40 million.

Earlier in September, NHS England warned that the NHS is not on track to ensure 65% of elective patients are treated within 18 weeks, and to reduce 52-week waiters to 1% of the overall waiting list, by March 2026. Figures for July show that 61.3% of patients began treatment within 18 weeks. 191,648 patients were waiting more than 52 weeks, 2.6% of the total waiting list.

This follows reports earlier in September that some ICBs have set minimum waits over 18 weeks³, a development RCS England called “deeply concerning” and a “symptom of the NHS system under severe strain.”  RCS England has consistently warned that efforts to cut NHS waiting times will falter without urgent capital investment to repair crumbling hospital buildings and modernise outdated surgical facilities.

Commenting on waiting times figures published today, Professor Frank Smith, Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England said:

“Today’s figures highlight a system struggling to meet demand. Too few operating theatres and crumbling hospital buildings are leading surgeons to have to compete for space, directly contributing to delays and leaving patients waiting for the care they need.

“Modernising NHS infrastructure must be a government priority. The Chancellor must commit substantial capital funding for the NHS in the upcoming Autumn Budget.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. NHS England’s latest consultant-led referral-to-treatment waiting times data is available here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/rtt-waiting-times/rtt-data-2025-26/#Jul25
2. The total waiting list stood at 7,402,796 in July 2025.
3. ‘ICBs told to ‘urgently review unacceptable waiting times’ – HSJ (3 September 2025) https://www.hsj.co.uk/quality-and-performance/icbs-told-to-urgently-review-unacceptable-waiting-times/7039937.article
4. 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.
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