South East patients are being seen quicker for planned treatment thanks to transformative tech and surgery sprints across the region as the NHS continues to make progress in its work to bring down waiting times.  

By the end of May 2025, 61% of patients started their treatment within 18 weeks of diagnosis as the region makes progress towards the target of 65% by March 2026 set out in the elective reform plan, the highest improvement of any region since November 2024. 

While there is much more to be done, the improvements show the tireless work of NHS staff across the region is helping make steps on the road to recovery with trusts harnessing the power of technology to speed up pre and post-op appointments, free up recovery beds and increase capacity for elective procedures.  

One of the top performing trusts in the region for elective procedures, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, has implemented a new e-triage system to make it easier and quicker for consultants to review and accept GP referrals, and intensive bursts of activity to bring down long waits such as ‘cataract-athon’ and ‘urology-athon’. 

The ophthalmology service has reduced its list to only 31 patients waiting longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment. A burst of increased surgical activity earlier in the year managed to see patients who had been waiting more than 6 months for surgery. A huge and concerted effort by the nursing, administrative, porters, pharmacy and surgical teams helped get patients with complex conditions ready for surgery through to completion. 

Meanwhile the pioneering use of technology including robotics means more patients are getting treated with faster recovery times. Robotic surgery is taking place at a number of trusts across the region, with Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Surrey introducing robotic surgery, completing over 200 knee replacements with a robotic assistance surgical system.  

The surgical system offers surgeons enhanced precision and accuracy, using a special probe to map the patient’s joint, generating a real-time 3D model of their anatomy. The system uses this 3D model to plan the optimal implant placement, leading to better outcomes for patients and faster recovery times. 

While the Royal Surrey Hospital is one of the best resourced robotic centres in the UK and helping to reduce waiting lists for surgical procedures with work ongoing on the new cancer centre which is due to open in 2026 and will mean the hospital is able to provide surgery for an additional 7,000 patients annually 

Dr Christopher Tibbs, Medical Director for the NHS in the South East, said: “We know too many people are still waiting too long for treatment, however these numbers show that the NHS is making progress tackling the waiting list with a fragile recovery heading in the right direction.  

“Staff across the region are working tirelessly to innovate and find new ways to ensure more people get the care they need without long waits. Technology has a huge role to play and there are some excellent examples of how this is being harnessed for good. In an increasingly challenging environment these improvements are evidence of what can be achieved when everyone pulls together for the benefit of patients.”