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 » Longest waits for NHS hospital treatment show further fall
New figures have revealed that the numbers of patients facing the longest waits for treatment at local hospitals have fallen significantly over the last 12 months.
The data, published by NHS England, show that the number waiting over 65 weeks in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes was 509 in February 2025, compared with 2,127 a year earlier. This represents a fall of 76.1% in the number waiting 65 weeks or more.
The number of people waiting 78 weeks or longer in February 2025 was 144, compared with 190 in February 2024, a reduction of 24.2%.
Dr Andrew Rochford, chief medical officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:
“This further reduction in the longest waits for treatment is more good news for local patients. I’m pleased to see these figures and am grateful to the teams at our local trusts for the progress they are making 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 92% of patients should wait no longer than 18 weeks from being referred to beginning their treatment. Over the last few months we have seen a consistent fall in the number of people experiencing the longest waits, and colleagues across the NHS are working hard to reduce them further.”
Across England, February’s data show there were 13,223 patients who had waited 65 weeks or longer, compared with 75,004 in February 2024 (a reduction of 82.4%). A total of 1,691 people had been waiting for 78 weeks or longer, compared with 9,969 a year previously (a fall of 83.0%).
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…