New figures from NHS England show that the health service delivered its best 18-week elective performance for more than five years in September.
New NHS figures show almost 66 per cent of patients on the waiting list have been waiting less than 18 weeks – the highest proportion since September 2021.
This comes alongside a record number of diagnostic scans and tests being delivered for September, following investment in NHS diagnostic capacity. This is also as well as a record number of people were referred onto the waiting list.
However, October was the busiest month ever for A&E, with more than 2.5 million people attending emergency departments.
Ambulance teams also faced their busiest month on record, responding to almost 870,000 incidents, an average of 28,046 a day. This was 7.7 per cent higher than the daily average of 26,032 recorded in October 2025.
NHS national medical director Professor Frankie Swords said: “Today’s figures show just how hard our local teams are working.
“Easier access to primary care is making a real difference to the public. The NHS is delivering improvements for patients despite extreme demand for services.
“Performance on the waiting list is the best it’s been for more than half a decade, and the number of patients being seen within four hours in A&E is high.
“It really shows how important the significant preparation for winter has been this year.
“The most important thing people can do as we head into winter is to protect themselves and their families by getting the vaccinations they are eligible for against viruses like flu.
“As ever, if you need life-saving care please use A&E and 999, and otherwise use our high street pharmacies, 111 and 111 online.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “This Autumn has been the busiest ever for our NHS – with record numbers of people attending A&E and record numbers of elective appointments and treatments. Despite the relentless pressure, the NHS has delivered a record 30.6 million diagnostic tests, checks and scans over the last 12 months, and more people are being treated within 18 weeks than the same time last year. I want to pay tribute to all the NHS staff whose commitment and hard work has made that possible.
“As we head into winter, those pressures will increase. That’s why we are bringing in a new £40 million GP programme to help frail elderly people stay well at home and expanding the Pharmacy First scheme, so people can get care where they need it most.”
