In June, the NHS performed a record number of of checks for treatments, cancer checks and other tests, with 18-week performance hitting its best level in three years.
103,563 more treatments delivered were delivered this June than in the same month last year (1.56 million vs 1.45 million).
The proportion of patients waiting less than 18 weeks for treatment in June was 61.5 per cent, which is the highest since June 2022. The longest waits of over 52 and 65 weeks also fell.
Meanwhile more people came forward for care, with 141,809 more referrals onto the waits list.
Over the past decade, excluding during the pandemic, June has traditionally seen an average 32,000 increase in the waiting list.
Data has also been published on the impact of recent strike action. More care was delivered during the July 2025 resident doctors’ strike than in the 5-day June 2024 walkout, with NHS analysis estimating that an additional 11,071 appointments and procedures went ahead.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, said: “The latest figures show NHS staff continuing to deliver significant improvements in care for patients against a tide of rising demand, with a record number of patients being treated, tested or having cancer ruled in or out for any June – while July saw much faster A&E waiting times despite higher than usual attendance and industrial action.
“We know seasonality can have a big impact on waiting lists and it is encouraging to see that as more people come forward for care, we are also increasing activity at a steady rate with over 100,000 more treatments delivered this June compared to last.
“Today’s strike data also shows that thanks to the tireless efforts of NHS staff, including many resident doctors who remained on the frontline, thousands more patients were able to receive the care they needed this time compared to the last strike action in 2024."
Health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting said: “A year ago, we promised 2 million more appointments. 1 year on, we have delivered almost an extra 5 million appointments. As a result, today’s figures show that – despite record numbers of people coming forward for treatment – we are cutting waiting times, with the lowest number of patients waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment in 3 years.
“Today’s data also shows the health service was more resilient against last month’s strike action than ever before. I want to thank NHS staff for delivering 11,000 more appointments and procedures for patients compared to previous strikes. We are getting on with the job of delivering progress in the face of strike action, and we will continue to put patients first.
“I had a constructive conversation with the BMA last week and I am glad they’ve agreed to continue engagement through the summer with the mutual aim of preventing further disruption to the NHS and patients. The past year shows that we can turn the NHS around if we keep working together”.
