27 June 2025
Local NHS waiting lists fall, new figures show
The number of people waiting over a year for NHS treatment in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has fallen by more than half, new figures…
Home » News » Local NHS waiting lists fall, new figures show
The number of people waiting for NHS treatment in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has fallen, new figures show.
The data – published by NHS England – reveal that the number of patients on waiting lists has fallen in recent months at both of the main hospital trusts serving the local area.
At Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the number of patients waiting for treatment has reduced from 100,092 in September 2024 to 98,711 in December 2024, a fall of 1,381 (1.4%).
Figures also show a decrease in the number of patients on the waiting list at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, from 37,194 in September 2024 to 33,695 in December 2024. This represents a reduction of 3,499 (9.4%).
There was further good news with big reductions in the number of patients waiting the longest time (65 weeks or more). At Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, this figure fell from 345 in September 2024 to 17 in December 2024, a decrease of 328 (95.1%). Milton Keynes University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust saw a reduction from 688 in September 2024 to 192 in December 2024, a fall of 496 (72.1%).
Sarah Stanley, chief nursing director at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:
“The reduction in waiting lists is good news for local patients. I’m pleased to see these figures, which show that our local trusts are making progress on waiting lists in line with or faster than the national average, but we still have a lot more to do.
“The national standard is that nobody should wait longer than 18 weeks from referral to beginning their treatment. We have seen a steady fall over the last few months in the number of people waiting for NHS treatment, and everyone is working incredibly hard to maintain this progress through the winter months when services are busy.”
Across England, the number of patients waiting for treatment fell from 7,571,000 to 7,463,000 between September and December 2024, a decrease of 108,000 (1.4%).
For press enquiries, please email blmkicb.communications@nhs.net
27 June 2025
Local NHS waiting lists fall, new figures show
The number of people waiting over a year for NHS treatment in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has fallen by more than half, new figures…
20 June 2025
Secretary of State officially opens new clinical space at Leighton Buzzard Health…
Seven new clinical rooms created to meet growing demand at Leighton Buzzard Health Centre were officially opened at a ceremony yesterday (Thursday 19 June) by…
17 June 2025
Celebrating Learning Disability Week: championing voices, and better health for all
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care System (ICB) is supporting Learning Disability Week 2025 (16-22 June), shining a light on the experiences, rights, and aspirations of people with a…
11 June 2025
Bike Week 2025: Pedalling towards health – for us and the planet
During Bike Week (9-15 June), Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is encouraging residents to take to two wheels – for better health and a greener Earth.…
9 June 2025
Men’s Health Week 2025: early diagnosis saves lives
As Men’s Health Week (9-15 June) commences, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is urging men to prioritise their health by seeking early diagnosis for both physical…
6 June 2025
Local general practices offering 16% more appointments than last year
The number of appointments available at general practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has risen again, according to new figures released by NHS England. The data – covering January…