The NHS waiting list continued to decline and dipped to 7.46 million people in December 2024, according to the latest data from NHS England.
The latest data marks a 16,557 fall from the 7.48 million people on the waiting list in November and is the lowest the waiting list has been across 2024.
It represented the fourth consecutive month of decline, but a lower rate of decline than in November, when the list reduced by about 60,000 people.
It also represents a 2% or 144,182 drop from levels in December 2023 (7.61 million people).
However the number is still far above the pre-pandemic waiting list – around 2.98 million people or a 64% above the level in December 2019, when there were 4.57 million people on the waiting list.
List remains stuck
Brett Hill, head of health and protection at Broadstone, said: “NHS waiting lists closed the year at a 2024 low of 7.46 million, and while encouraging, it demonstrates that the list remains stuck significantly above pre-pandemic levels.
“With A&E attendances in the same month up 7.4% on the previous year, it’s clear there are no short-term solutions to the multiple challenges facing the NHS.
“The private healthcare market is rapidly becoming the go-to source of care for millions, either on a self-funded basis or through insured or employer funded healthcare benefits.
“As long waiting times leave millions at risk of dropping out of work, due to delayed diagnosis and treatment for treatable or manageable conditions, businesses continue to play a critical role in supporting the UK workforce’s access to healthcare.”
Waiting lists cut
Wes Streeting, health and social care secretary said: “Through the prime minister’s Plan for Change, the government has already cut NHS waiting lists by almost 160,000 since July, through a combination of investment and reform.
“As we work to end the misery of people left stranded on NHS waiting lists, we will also continue to address the issues facing our A&E departments.
“Annual winter pressures should not automatically lead to an annual winter crises and we will soon publish our plan to improve urgent and emergency care services, so the NHS can be there for everyone when they need it, once again”.