# How the NHS Waiting List Crisis Is Being Addressed

> Over 7 million people are on NHS waiting lists for treatment. Here is what is driving the backlog and what plans are in place to reduce it.

*Section: Health — By Dr. Nadia Okoro (Science & Health Writer) — Published October 5, 2025 — 1 min read*

Canonical URL: https://dailyjunction.org/health/nhs-waiting-list-crisis-addressed
Tags: nhs, health, waiting lists, surgery, uk health

## Key takeaways

- The elective backlog grew significantly during the pandemic and has been slow to recover
- Expanding independent sector capacity is central to current plans
- Retention of clinical staff is as important as training new staff
- Productivity in NHS hospitals has not returned to pre-pandemic levels

## The scale of the backlog

England's NHS waiting list for elective treatment exceeded 7 million people at its peak. The NHS has set targets to eliminate waits of over 18 weeks — the legal standard — and over two years in particular.

## What caused it

The elective care backlog grew during the pandemic as hospitals suspended routine surgery and outpatient appointments to manage Covid-19 demand. The backlog was compounded by workforce burnout, early retirements and reduced productivity.

## The current plans

The NHS's elective recovery plan focuses on three areas: expanding capacity through independent sector contracts, improving productivity in existing NHS facilities, and shifting more outpatient activity to virtual appointments and primary care. The independent sector is a significant but limited resource — it does not have the specialist capability for the most complex procedures.

## Frequently asked questions

### Should I act on this article?

This article provides general health information only. Consult your GP or relevant specialist before making significant changes.

### How strong is the evidence?

We cite systematic reviews and RCTs where available. Observational evidence is noted as such.

## Sources

- [NHS UK](https://www.nhs.uk)
- [The BMJ](https://www.bmj.com)
- [NICE](https://www.nice.org.uk)

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Daily Junction — https://dailyjunction.org/health/nhs-waiting-list-crisis-addressed