London hospital waiting lists slashed despite record Winter demand
New NHS data shows more than 62,000 fewer people are waiting for treatment in London hospitals, with numbers falling in November despite a winter surge in demand.
Marking a major step forward in tackling elective backlogs, the number of cases waiting more than the 18-week standard dropped below 456 thousand in November, compared with over 505 thousand the year before. Cancer care also advanced, with 79.6% of patients receiving a diagnosis or all-clear within four weeks of an urgent referral.
This progress was made despite record demand for services. In November, London NHS staff carried out more than 400,000 tests and checks.
On top of this, December was the busiest ever month for London Ambulance Service. Their clinicians treated over 129,000 patients over the phone and in person – an increase of around 250 incidents per day from the previous year.
Despite intense winter pressures, London A&E performance improved, with nearly 74.4% of patients being seen within the four-hour target – over 4,000 more patients than the same period in 2024.
Dr. Chris Streather, Chief Medical Director for the NHS in London, said: “NHS staff across the capital faced intense pressure before Christmas, but that hasn’t stopped them working tirelessly to reduce waiting lists and provide timely diagnoses.
“It is encouraging to see that the number of flu cases in hospitals are now falling, but our work is not yet done. Last week, hospitals cared for an average of 404 flu and 36 norovirus patients each day.
“As our services remain in the thick of winter, I’d like to remind patients to continue to only use 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies and use NHS 111 and 111 online for other conditions, as well as using local GP and pharmacy services in the usual way.”
The largest cut to waiting lists in London came from Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which achieved a 9.4% reduction in November compared to October, thanks to increased clinical activity, prioritisation of first appointments, and the addition of two new theatre lists.
Homerton combines hospital and community services under one roof, allowing staff to intervene earlier and manage patient care more effectively. This integrated approach has been key to reducing waiting times safely and sustainably. The Trust continues to improve its processes and embrace innovation, working closely with local authorities and healthcare partners.
Dr. Em Rowland, Chief Operating Officer for Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re pleased to see our waiting times moving in the right direction. This reflects the hard work of our clinical teams, operational staff, and the invaluable partnership of colleagues across the system – including primary care and local authority partners whose support is essential to what we deliver.
“While these results are positive, we remain mindful of the pressures facing the wider health and care system and the importance of ensuring our progress is sustainable for both patients and staff.”
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