Millions in England Await Specialist NHS Appointments, Analysis Reveals

Millions in England Await Specialist NHS Appointments, Analysis Reveals
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Around three million patients in England have yet to receive an appointment after GP referrals, according to a new analysis by MBI Health. The report suggests that nearly half of the 6.23 million people on NHS England’s waiting list remain “unseen,” raising concerns about delayed diagnoses and worsening conditions. ENT, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, and gynaecology are among the departments with the most delayed appointments.

The Patients Association called the figures “staggering,” warning of an “invisible waiting-list crisis.” While the Department of Health and Social Care highlighted progress, noting a reduction of over 260,000 from the waiting list since July 2024, it did not address the specific issue of patients still awaiting first assessments.

With 1 million patients already waiting over 18 weeks, experts caution that meeting the government’s 2029 target of treating 92% of patients within 18 weeks remains a significant challenge.