The NHS has hit its target for the number of patients waiting 18 weeks.

In March, 65.3 per cent of patients were waiting 18-weeks, as the waiting list fell by over 312,000 last year, the largest year-on-year reduction in 16 years.

This is an improvement of 6.4 per cent since July 2024 and means nearly half a million fewer people were waiting over 18 weeks for NHS treatment in March this year.

The health service also recorded its best year on record for elective care, with more than half a million (506,000) more people starting treatment or completing care compared with last year, taking the total to over 18.6 million in the last 12 months.

Meanwhile, the overall waiting list has fallen to 7.11 million, the lowest in 3.5 years and down by over half a million (515,000) since July 2024.

NHS Chief Executive Officer, Sir Jim Mackey said: “This is a huge moment for the NHS.  Hitting our targets for the first time in years hasn’t happened by accident – it’s been down to an absolutely enormous effort from NHS staff up and down the country.

“Today’s achievement goes beyond a set of remarkable statistics – it shows that we’re making real inroads on the things that matter to our patients and communities.

“That our staff have been able to achieve this in a year that’s seen the busiest NHS winter on record, that’s been interrupted though industrial action and that’s since the biggest shake-up of the NHS in its history makes today’s achievement all the more extraordinary.”

Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting said: “Our plan for the NHS is working. This is the biggest cut in waiting lists in a single month in 17 years. It means we are right on track to deliver the fastest reduction in waiting times in the history of the NHS.

“That is thanks to the government’s investment, modernisation, and the remarkable efforts of staff right across the country.

“Lots done, lots more to do.”