Today’s NHS England data on Referral to Treatment (RTT) Waiting Times shows that the number of people waiting slightly dipped to 7.46 million in December 2024, following November’s 7.48 million total.
The latest data marks a 16,557 fall from the prior month and is the lowest the waiting list has been across 2024.
It shows a 2% or 144,182 drop from levels in December 2023 (7.61 million) and a 2.98 million or 64% rise from levels in December 2019 (4.57 million), before the pandemic.
Brett Hill, Head of Health & Protection at leading independent consultancy 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.
“The investment case for innovative, comprehensive preventative healthcare benefits, including health screenings and early intervention resources, is increasingly strong as businesses seek to protect their employees and their bottom line from the damaging productivity consequences of poor access to timely medical care, while also supportable sustainable long-term funding costs for more traditional workplace healthcare benefits.”
