'Staggering' scale of NHS hidden waiting list crisis

Almost half of the six million people needing treatment from the NHS in England have had no care at all since joining a hospital waiting list, new data reveals.

- Denis Campbell Health policy editor

Previously unseen NHS England figures show that 2.99 million of the 6.23 million patients (48%) awaiting care have not had either their first appointment with a specialist or a diagnostic test since being referred by a GP.

The Patients Association described the situation as "an invisible waiting list crisis" that is "staggering" in scale, with millions living in limbo, anxious as their health deteriorates.

The data raises doubts about Keir Starmer's repeated pledge that 92% of patients will be treated within 18 weeks of referral by 2029 - the prime minister's key promise to voters on health. The target has not been hit since 2015, and in May just 61% were treated on time.

In a further sign of how difficult it will be to meet that target, the data shows that a third of the 3 million unseen patients - 1 million people - have already waited more than 18 weeks without receiving any care.

It is the first time the phenomenon of "unseen patients" has emerged as part of the huge challenge facing the government in its drive to "get the NHS back on its feet".