The overall waiting list for planned treatments and consultations in England has seen an increase for the second consecutive month, now reaching 7.6 million. This marks a rise of 31,249 since April, with 4,597 individuals waiting for more than 18 months. The latest data from NHS England performance reports reveal that 74.6% of patients in emergency departments were attended to within four hours, a slight improvement from May’s 74%, though still behind the 95% goal. In May, the target for urgent cancer referrals was achieved, as 76.4% of cancer patients received either a confirmation or a definitive ruling out of the disease within 28 days, surpassing the 75% objective.

England’s NHS, in comparison to other wealthy nations, lags behind in post-pandemic recovery regarding wait times for hip and knee replacements, according to an analysis by the Nuffield Trust.¹ Meanwhile, the nation fares better in less invasive procedures like cataract surgeries, where waiting periods are improving faster than in most other countries. Nuffield highlighted that England faces a shortage of hospital beds, essential healthcare staff, and investment into facilities and equipment, which poses additional challenges specifically for orthopaedic services.

The Homerton Fertility Centre, located in east London, will be permitted to resume patient care starting from August 8, as confirmed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)...