BLMK performance higher than regional and national averages for meeting key A&E target this winter

Despite a challenging winter, NHS services in Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes (BLMK) performed better than the regional and national average for four-hour waits in A&E whilst also making good progress in reducing waiting lists and improving access to care.

New data shows that the BLMK monthly performance figure for January 2025 was 73.93%, which ranked the Integrated Care Board (ICB) as first of six in the region. This figure was higher than the East of England region’s performance of 71.11%. It was also higher than the national performance of 73.01%. However, it fell short of the national target of 78% (for the end of March 2025).

At the same time, the number of patients in BLMK on waiting lists has continued to fall, even during these busiest months of the year. At Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the number of patients waiting for treatment reduced from 98,711 in December 2024 to 96,845 in February 2025 – a decrease of 1,866 (1.9%). Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust also saw improvements, with waiting lists falling from 33,695 in December 2024 to 31,220 in February 2025 – a reduction of 2,475 (7.3%).

There was also a substantial reduction in the number of patients waiting 65 weeks or more for treatment. At Bedfordshire Hospitals, this figure dropped from 17 in December 2024 to just 5 in February 2025. Milton Keynes University Hospital also saw a sharp decline, from 192 to 54 over the same period.

In addition to the reduced waiting times, local NHS teams worked hard to expand access to GP services. An additional 15,000 GP appointments were made available across Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes during the winter period, helping patients get the care they need sooner and reducing pressure on hospitals.

Dr Sanhita Chakrabarti, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at BLMK ICB, said: “Winter always brings its challenges, and this winter has presented even more challenges than normal. But the additional GP appointments, hospital capacity planning, and tireless efforts of NHS staff have made a real difference. We’ve not only managed demand but continued to reduce waiting lists, ensuring more patients get the care they need in a timely manner. There’s still work to do, but this progress is a testament to the dedication of our teams across Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes.”

Across England, waiting lists fell from 7.46 million in December 2024 to 7.39 million in February 2025, demonstrating the impact of NHS winter resilience measures nationwide.