Labour’s ‘Plan for Change’ aims for patients to be waiting no longer than 18 weeks, from referral to receiving treatment by 2029. The BBC stated that this target is currently being surpassed. The waiting list now has 7.5 million people on it, including 3 million of them who have already been waiting 18 weeks.
One of the government’s manifesto promises was for 92% of patients to be given the all-clear or start treatment within 18 weeks. This is now a part of the government’s six main priorities and is hoped to be accomplished by the end of this Parliamentary term.
The BBC has communicated Labour's plans to reach 65% by March 2026, which would reduce the build-up by more than 450,000 patients.
Other planned reforms on the NHS include improving accessibility for patients, through increasing their power and control. One method is to publish minimum standards that patients can expect from their healthcare system, which aims to be implemented by September 2025. Another way is to actively promote the rights patients have to choose when and where they receive care.
To add to this, the government is also striving to provide ‘same day service’, as well as offer follow-up consultations on the same day. Therefore, scans and tests can be given earlier on, which allows diagnosis and treatment to commence at a quicker speed.
the government is also striving to provide ‘same day service’
As reported by the Guardian, a recent survey completed by NHS Providers uncovered the level of faith individuals have in the new reforms. It revealed that 71% of the leaders and 100% of acute care and ambulance runners believe that the developments intended to be accomplished by 2029 are unlikely.
Amanda Pritchard, the Chief Executive of NHS England, has declared there are “too many people” who are “waiting unacceptably long for care”, according to the Guardian.
However, Pritchard continued and praised NHS staff for the “huge progress” they had made in lowering long waiting times for patients since the pandemic.
Labour’s planned reforms for NHS aim to improve healthcare services for citizens by reducing waiting lists and advancing accessibility.